Olivia Davis

The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, or scientifically SARS-CoV-2, is the virus causing the worldwide pandemic we are currently living in. SARS, which stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is one of a group of 7 coronaviruses. It is spread through airborne droplets, saliva, contaminated surfaces, or skin-to-skin contact. To prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC recommends everyone wear a mask and stays 6 feet away from those not in your household, as well as washing your hands often and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. 

 

Oct 21st: Yesterday I felt like I had a cold, with a small cough, congestion, and fever. This morning, I developed body aches, chills, a sore throat, headache, and extreme fatigue. I went to the immediate care clinic, and got a rapid covid test. Within 20 minutes, I had my results: POSITIVE. I was shocked, even though I felt sick. Because I am the only person sick in the house, the doctor explained that I need to quarantine in my room for 10 days, use a “sick” bathroom, avoid contact with others in the house as well as high touch areas such as the kitchen and living room, and wear a mask when outside of my room. I know I need to do it for my family, but the idea of sitting alone inside the same four walls for the next two weeks sounds a bit daunting, especially having to stay away from my daughter. All I want to do is get cuddles from her. 

 

Symptoms of the virus can include: fever and chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or feeling out of it. In extreme cases, COVID-19 can cause secondary illnesses, such as pneumonia. 

 

Oct 24th: Over the last few days, I have quickly gotten worse. I now have all the typical symptoms of the virus. I can barely eat, I sleep all the time, I’ve lost my sense of taste and smell, and I feel slightly short of breath even while laying down. My daughter, Layla, has also begun to develop symptoms of covid. Last week, she was diagnosed with pink eye, but she now also has a small cough, is throwing up a lot, and is overall extremely tired and fussy. My mom took her into the doctor’s office today, and she too tested positive for COVID-19. The doctor explained that babies typically do extremely well with the virus, so to just keep an eye out for a high temperature or trouble breathing, and to make sure she stays well hydrated. 

 

According to WHO (the World Health Organization) “Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. [However,] Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.”. The CDC agrees, stating " Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.".

 

Oct 26th: Last night, my mom began to get sick, and today she got her test results back. She is also positive. Like me, she has all the typical symptoms of covid. She has diabetes, which makes her high risk, as the virus could cause her blood sugar to become unstable, so she must monitor it closely.

 

Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus, there are some treatments for symptom management. Some studies claim that taking over the counter medicines such as Tylenol and Vitamin-C, as well as drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest may help reduce symptoms. In more extreme cases, hospitalization is required. According to WHO, about 1 in every 5 people with the virus will develop severe enough symptoms to require hospitalization. Those hospitalized may receive oxygen and/or the trial drug called Remdesivir. 

 

Oct 30th: I am still extremely exhausted, and have a loss of appetite, but since I'm slowly getting back to normal and I haven’t had a fever in a few days, my quarantine is officially over! My daughter is also starting to improve, her eyes are no longer red and she is handling her bottles much better. 

 

Remdesivir, also known as Veklury, is a broad spectrum antiviral medication currently authorized for emergency treatment of COVID-19. It is used in severe cases, administered through an IV for either 5 or 10 days.

 

Nov 3rd: Over the last few days, my daughter and I have continued to improve. I am still exhausted, sleeping a lot, but rest seems to be helping my symptoms. My mom is dealing with secondary respiratory issues, but is also slowly improving. However her boyfriend, who lives with us, has now tested positive for COVID. He began having trouble breathing, and his oxygen levels were dropping, so he was admitted into the hospital. His doctors explained that they would be keeping him for at least 4 days, keeping him on oxygen and giving him the trial drug Remdesivir. 

 

Over the past few weeks, the Indiana State Department of Health has confirmed  a large increase in positive cases, as well as a surge of hospital admittances. Due to this influx, Mayor Hogsett and the Marion County Public Health Department have implemented new restrictions. This includes schools going completely virtual, restaurants limited to 50% capacity, social gatherings limited to 25 people, and more.

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The FDA has also just approved the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for use in the United States. Vaccine delivery is set to begin Monday, December 14th. They gave the vaccine an Emergency Use Authorization on Friday December 11th, after the Vaccine Advisory Committee voted to approve it that Thursday. The vaccine is currently only approved for those aged 16 and older. It is said that those who get vaccinated get individual immunity, meaning they can’t contract the virus. However, it is not yet known whether those who are vaccinated could still carry and spread the virus, potentially infecting others. Masks and social distancing will still be implemented until people have had enough time to get a vaccine, or until there is enough data to show that those who get vaccinated cannot infect others.