Last week, I started to feel like I was coming down with something. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was just like when I normally can feel a bad cold coming on. I wasn’t having symptoms of COVID-19, so I wasn’t worried about that. I really just figured that I was coming down with a bug. And it is the time of year for that to happen.
And over the weekend, I did end up getting sick. My symptoms continue to be almost the opposite of what COVID-19 is (wet cough vs dry, no fever vs fever), so I still don’t believe that I caught that. Plus, if I did, I am having an extremely mild case since this really feels just like a cold. So I’m not too worried about myself right now. I usually get colds this time of year and it doesn’t surprise me that I would catch on right now.
But being sick right now isn’t like when I am sick any other time. I know that by now if I do have a cold that I am no longer contagious. I can pinpoint the day I would have caught this bug because I am not leaving my house much. So it’s easy for me to figure out when I was contagious and when I’m done. But going out when I am coughing and sneezing is not smart right now. Even though I feel certain that it’s not COVID-19, others might think that it is and would be scared that I would get them sick. So I don’t want to cause anyone else to be in fear if I was out in public.
But also, I have to be more cautious with my own health right now. I’m fighting some bug right now and my immune system is working hard at doing that. So if I was going out to get supplies, I am even more at risk for catching anything. And I’m not just worried about COVID-19. I would hate to get the flu right now (even though I got a flu shot) because I know how packed hospitals are. I don’t want to do anything that might require me to see a doctor. I need to keep myself as healthy as possible, not just for myself but for others. So even though I have been practicing isolation for a few weeks now, I’m stepping it up a bit for the next few weeks.
I am going to stay inside my house unless it is absolutely necessary. And to me right now, going out to get supplies is not necessary. I’m ok for most things, and I can get stuff delivered to me if I need it. I am trying to not use the delivery options too much because I know the delivery drivers are overextended and putting themselves at risk too. But it is an option for me so I’m using it and trying to make sure I don’t do it that often. I also have some friends who live in my neighborhood who have offered to get groceries for me. I’m trying to not do that because I know how stressful going to the store can be. But it’s good to know that I have more options than just delivery.
I’m treating this bug as if I had COVID-19. I’m avoiding all contact with others as much as I can for the next 2 weeks. I am already starting to feel better now, so I don’t think I’ll be sick for that much longer. This cold wasn’t that bad, but it was enough to give me a bit of a scare and made me re-evaluate what steps I have been taking and what steps I need to take now. And in 2 weeks, I’ll try to continue to do as much isolation as possible since that is what we have to do even when we are healthy.
