Woman Who Tested Positive for Coronavirus Shares Her Experience to Reassure Others
By Mark PygasUpdated
Confirmed cases of coronavirus have climbed to over 220,000 worldwide. And with over 9,000 deaths associated with the disease, some people are understandably concerned about catching the virus.
The good news is that for those who are younger, there's a relatively low risk of needing hospitalization. But for those who are older or have preexisting conditions, there's more concern, with fatality rates of 10% to 27% for those 85 and older. That's why nations around the world are isolating vulnerable people from the rest of society.
Twitter user Bjonda Haliti recently took to the social media platform in an attempt to relieve some of this anxiety. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 after a few days of illness and decided to share her experience online to inform others.
"I’ve been debating on posting," Haliti wrote. "But I want to share my experience especially with those around my age to help bring awareness, and to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have due to the pandemic."
I’m 22 years old and I tested positive for COVID-19.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
I’ve been debating on posting, but I want to share my experience especially with those around my age to help bring awareness, and to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have due to the pandemic.
Haliti described her timeline, saying that it all started when she developed a dry cough.
Day 1: It started with a mild DRY cough and a slightly sore throat. I was very tired that night.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
A day later, a fever set in. According to the CDC, a fever is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus, alongside a dry cough.
Moving them was uncomfortable. Doing some research I discovered this was just a migraine, but it didn’t go away at ALL. I slept all day.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Along with those symptoms came a migraine, chills, and mild nausea. At this point, Haliti visited the doctor who said she had an infection.
The doctor told me I probably just had an infection and prescribed me antibiotics and 800mg of ibuprofen. I made sure to stay extremely hydrated and stocked up on vitamins and probiotics. That night, I still ran a fever.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
After a few days of fever, it finally broke. But along came another common symptom of coronavirus — short breath. At this point, Haliti attempted a self-diagnosis test, but that proved inconclusive.
At this point I wanted to test for corona like I should have been in the first place, but It was very difficult to get tested for it!!! I continued to self-quarantine and hydrate hydrate HYDRATE!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
On day 5, Haliti was finally given a coronavirus test, but she'd have to wait several days before she got the results. Until then, she was told to continue to self-isolate.
I was advised to continue self quarantine, and I would receive my results in 5-6 DAYS!!!!!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
"With the continued use of antibiotics and ibuprofen, my symptoms were: sore throat, cough, shortness of breath," Haliti explained for day 6. "My energy levels began to increase."
Day 6 - With the continued use of antibiotics and ibuprofen, my symptoms were: sore throat, cough, shortness of breath. My energy levels began to increase.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Over the next few days, it became pretty clear that Haliti was recovering.
Day 7 - Symptoms: slight sore throat, mild cough, shortness of breath. Energy levels increasing.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Day 8 - Symptoms: Mild cough, starting to feel like myself again. Energy!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Day 9 - Symptoms: My cough was a little heavier, normal energy levels.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
On day 10, Haliti finally received her test results, and she was positive.
Day 10 - Symptoms: Mild cough, mucus, normal energy levels. My lab results came in: POSITIVE.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
"I am continuing to self-isolate and take care of myself," Haliti explains. Today I am feeling great and healthy! I will need to retest in order to be cleared. That’s if I can find a doctor who's willing to retest me. Haven’t had any luck so far."
I am continuing to self-isolate and take care of myself. Today I am feeling great and healthy! I will need to retest in order to be cleared. That’s if I can find a doctor whose willing to retest me. Haven’t had any luck so far.
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
Haliti went on to encourage people: "Don’t panic if you are feeling symptoms. Take initiative and follow CDC guidelines. We’re going to get through this!"
My DM’s will be open to those who have questions, I hope this was helpful. I wanted to let ppl know that if I got through it, so can you!!! Don’t panic if you are feeling symptoms. Take initiative and follow CDC guidelines. We’re going to get through this!
— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020
After the thread went viral, people were quick to thank Haliti for sharing her experience. "I really applaud you sharing this," one user wrote. "This could lessen the panic and reinforce people to be responsible of self-quarantining! Thanks so much and please get better soon."
While another added: "This is amazing. An amazing service to us all. Thank you! Sending my best for a full recovery."
The best way to prevent contracting or spreading coronavirus is with thorough hand washing and social distancing. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, which include persistent cough (usually dry), fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue, please call your doctor before going to get tested. For comprehensive resources and updates, visit the CDC website. If you are experiencing anxiety about the virus, seek out mental health support from your provider or visit NAMI.org.