04:35
Waking up every hour since the evening, feeling hot and bothered with the need to use the loo has been rather troublesome as I’m starting to feel really grouchy at the serious lack of rest. The constant light-headedness and thirst despite drinking around 3 litres of water a day is a concern, the persistent cough has also ramped up again which is something of note.
04:42
Temperature remains the same since last night, not ideal.
05:10
As we know, skipping meals is bad and in current circumstances, the body needs all the fuel it can get to fight off this virus. Last night’s missed dinner from the lack of hunger meant I need to force myself to consume breakfast. It’s worth noting that I still don’t feel hungry but a healthy dose of nutty granola is on this morning’s menu!
06:35
Drowsiness hits, will give the body a rest and come back with an update later. Good night… or should I say, good morning folks!
10:04
Waking up still feeling hot and the temperature still not shifting at 39.5c, I’ve resorted to cooling the room down from 20c to 16c. There’s an increasing sense of imbalance when getting up and moving around, which I deeply suspect relates to the fever. Another alteration made is to maintain water consumption but I’m sipping even slower now.
Heart rate: 93bpm
11:39
The first drop as a result of room temperature drop.
12:24
One more stats for the day, temperature is still holding at 38.8c.
13:09
The loss of smell and taste, appetite and the intermittent number 2 has made me assess the diet and food consumed. Some of the richer food consumed previously as a result of the loss of smell and taste wouldn’t have helped much for the digestive system.
A light spaghetti bolognese with fresh mangoes on the side should do the trick for now albeit with no flavours at all, some form of chicken & veg broth with a bit of wholemeal bread for the digestive system looks like the diet moving forward until things settle again.
13:28
We may joke about the zombie apocalypse but one thing I’ve noted is that I need to raise my hands to steady myself on occasions as I manoeuvre around the house. Zombie apocalypse? Ha!
The pounding headache continues but once again, this points back to the fever, which has been persistent since last night. The temperature is still holding at 38.8c but both arms and legs are starting to feel a little chilli despite the extra insulation. I’m suspecting there’s an extended battle between the immune system and the virus, so far, this phase has lasted longer than The Lord of the Rings trilogy, extended editions!
13:55
Another drowsiness wave has just hit, as much as I’d love to stay up and be active, the physical state just isn’t there, time to hit the sack once more. Good afternoon all!
Heart rate: 89bpm
19:28
Feeling a little bit more sprightly after a good few hours of sleep.
19:42
My uncle’s a lifesaver!
Revised food plan to help the body.
Still no smell or taste though.
20:21
Not much appears to be documented on COVID-19 at present and very few people who have contracted COVID-19 are documenting their experiences so it becomes difficult to know what to face. Surprisingly, I’ve received quite a few e-mails today about this blog so I’ll post the Q&A below.
Note: if you have asked specific medical questions, my initial response is that you consult NHS online as I am not a medical professional. If you are going struggling with your symptoms, please call NHS 111 for medical assistance.
I also cannot comment on rumours or viral messages being spread around, personally, unless it is an official announcement from a recognised medical body, I find these messages do more harm than good.
21:28 Q&A
Would you classify your symptoms as mild symptoms, similar to those who have been declared as showing mild symptoms?
For those declared with mild symptoms including our prime minister Boris Johnson, there have been no further details as to what they currently exhibit as symptoms nor do we know their medical stats as the symptoms develop. We do know the current UK guidelines for symptoms is rather vague where the official primary symptoms in the UK are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.
As my condition grew worse with new symptoms emerging, these matched the symptoms that have been recognised and seen in other countries (in particular, our neighbouring counterparts France, Germany and Italy). The extremely high fever has brought along to the party some nasty side effects which makes me feel comfortable to say no, I don’t consider my symptoms to be mild.
Why did you not call for help on your dangerously high fever?
Although the high temperature has been disturbing (venturing into hyperpyrexia levels), this is simply the body’s natural response to a viral infection. From experience in dealing with fevers, you may get the odd spike and had the temperature maintained itself for more than a few hours or kept increasing, i would have called it in. The mild confusion, spinning room on getting up, killer headache and pale skin were already the pre-warning signs that I may have had to call it in.
Can’t you just call into a hospital and let them help you?
The reality of COVID-19 is that we have no vaccine so the only way to beat it is to let your body do the work. As with any viral infection, it all comes down to your immune system and as long as I am still able to move around with some form of sanity and look after myself, there is no need to add more pressure to the already overstretched NHS.
What was your initial thoughts when you realised your got COVID-19?
Isolate, isolate, isolate. Let people know that you’ve got it. Don’t leave the house, maintain distance with those in the house with you and clean up before, during and after you do anything. Avoid venturing into other rooms that others will use. You want to avoid spreading the virus so all considerations must be taken into account, it’s all on you now.
My approach has been similar to that of contracting the flu, get as much rest as possible, stay well hydrated and eat healthy, especially immune boosting foods.
The medical stats you have provided have been useful, are you able to provide any more?
I am glad the stats have helped! Unfortunately, as a non-medical profession, I am limited to the readings I can take as all equipment I own have been with me since back in the days I was a carer (end of life care).
The only other stat I can provide is my weight but I don’t believe this will be of much help. For those medical professions who have been noting down my stats, I have added my healthy average blood pressure and resting heart rate on my main stats found at the bottom of Every Little Helps.
What advice can you give us for those who are concerned about contracting the virus?
Stay calm and stay healthy. Follow government advice as they are working with medical professions to bring you that advice. Look at ways to boost your immune system by eating healthy. Stay active by doing daily exercises to keep the body and mind in shape. The only way to stave off this virus or fight it is to have a strong, healthy immune system so starting building that defence.
21:33
Standing up after answering the Q&A above and was hit with a bit of room spinning, oops!
Quick temp check and it doesn’t look too bad (room temp still at 16c).
Heart rate: 84bpm
23:44
Last stats of the night as tiredness looms again.
Update on all symptoms
Fever: Fever is starting to rise again but room temperature kept at 16c for now.
Cough: The persistent cough still isn’t letting up.
Aches and Pains: Most of the joint aches and pains have subsided now
Headache: It’s still very bad and still disrupting my train of thought and concentration levels.
Smell and Taste: Still nada and estimated to continue for at least another 6 days minimum according to reports from other countries so can only continue to monitor and hope.
Fatigue: Still on-going and can randomly hit. I suspect the fever has an impact on this as well.
Stability: Movement around the house is constantly met with light-headedness and some instability. There have been some odd occasions where I might have considered reaching out for support but it hasn’t quite reached that point… yet.
Confusion: None after the over-40s high fever moments.
Lack of Appetite: This is still on-going and I’m simply eating at timed intervals to ensure I’m giving the body the fuel it needs.
Breathing: This is still normal, can breathe through the nose normally, no rapid or difficulty in breathing.
That’s all for tonight folks, sleep calls, good night and stay safe!