This blog documents my COVID-19 journey and I hope to share this out in hope that it helps medical professionals in their research and understanding of COVID-19.
If you are seeking medical advice, please seek a medical professional, please do not use Google to self-diagnose, do not go on hearsay nor viral messages. In the UK, your first step should be to consult the NHS web-site. If you are struggling with your symptoms and you require medical assistance, please call NHS 111. Please don’t overwhelm our emergency services by jumping straight onto 999, taking a trip to the GP or heading to A&E.
I will not provide any medical advice as I am not qualified to do so, my experience of COVID-19 is reflective of my body’s immune system and lifestyle as it appears each person who contracts COVID-19 has a different reaction to COVID-19.
Essential vs non-essential, you’ve heard it all before so I won’t repeat the government guidelines, however, what is important during this pandemic is how we should all be available to help each other and especially those in need.
Consider being a NHS Volunteer, for more information, visit: NHS Volunteer Responders
Since the announcement of the 20th COVID-19 case in the UK on 28 February 2020 along with the alarming rise in Italy, my first thought was mitigation. All planned photoshoots were pulled to see how things would pan out in the coming weeks. Exposure to others became extremely limited with the most exposure being at the supermarket doing my grocery shopping (no panic buying required).
The Reality: Despite being overly cautious, at some point leading to 24 March 2020, I had somehow contracted COVID-19. There were no warning signs leading up to the first day of symptoms.
For medical professionals who require some extra information on myself:
Age: 37
Height: 182cm
Weight: 76kg
Exercise: 3-5 times a week (90-minute sessions)
Diet: Healthy, fully-tracked daily nutrition intake
Alcohol: 2-4 units per week
Smoke: No
Average Resting Heart Rate: 53bpm
Average Blood Pressure: 114/68