A few days ago, when my symptoms peaked, I found a moment of energy to call my mom. I told her that what I was experiencing was likely just a severe allergic reaction, similar to the bronchitis episodes I’ve had in the past. I had been anticipating it this year, and “of course,” it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. I ended our conversation, trying to reassure her from 2,000 miles away (and perhaps easing my own worries) by saying, “Honestly, there is NO WAY I have coronavirus. I’ve taken every precaution to keep us safe.”
Fast forward to Sunday morning at 2 a.m., when I opened my test results and learned that I had indeed tested positive for COVID-19. I can barely write that without tears. It’s heartbreaking to be part of this frightening pandemic, especially as a mom who has been with her children all day, every day since March 13th.
Here’s how it unfolded:
Day 1 – March 21st
- Deep cough resembling bronchitis, trying to clear mucus
- Runny nose with dark green mucus
- Sinus pressure and headache
- No breathing issues, lung capacity full
- No fever
All of this mirrored my typical severe allergy symptoms in the past.
Day 10 – March 31st
After a full course of antibiotics and Mucinex-D, my symptoms persisted and even worsened.
Day 11 – April 1st
I reached out to my primary care physician (PCP) for alternative allergy treatments, and she asked to see me. Upon arriving at the clinic, I was greeted by a nurse who provided a mask and gloves. I didn’t have to touch any surfaces until I reached the examination room, which reassured me that they were prioritizing safety.
Despite thinking my symptoms were solely allergy-related, my PCP listened to my lungs and suggested a COVID-19 swab.
I started self-isolating in the guest bedroom right after returning home, following my PCP’s advice. All previous symptoms remained.
Day 12 – April 2nd
Things took a turn for the worse:
- Deeper cough, still trying to clear mucus
- Runny nose with dark green mucus
- Sinus pressure and headache
- Full lung capacity, yet no fever (although I was on decongestants which could have masked it)
- Severe fatigue and body aches
- Fluctuating body temperature
- Chills, possibly indicating a fever
- Lost my appetite and experienced tooth pain
Day 13 – April 3rd
My symptoms repeated those of Day 12. I still felt confident that my COVID-19 test would be negative since I hadn’t had a fever (thanks to medication) and my lungs felt fine.
Day 14 – April 4th
I noticed minor improvements and had more energy. I managed to eat saltine crackers, which was a step up from my water-dominated diet from Days 12-13.
Day 15 – April 5th
I received my test results via the online portal — SARS-CoV-2 Detected at 2:04 a.m. I had anticipated a week-long wait, but it took only four days.
The news was devastating. I felt a surge of adrenaline to disinfect every surface in the house before my family woke up. I relocated essential items to the guest room, preparing for an extended quarantine. My plan was to isolate for 72 hours and hoped to be considered “recovered” if I didn’t have a fever, my symptoms improved, and at least seven days had passed since the onset of my symptoms.
Day 16 – April 6th
The sinus infection was my most prominent symptom, and I felt weak and struggled to sleep. I experienced balance issues, likely related to my inner ear.
Day 17 – April 7th
The sinus infection lingered, feeling slightly worse than before. The pressure and congestion caused overwhelming headaches, and the mucus remained an unusual green-gray color.
During this time, my husband also fell ill but was convinced it was just a typical flu, despite both of us having received flu shots in the fall. His symptoms were different, lacking the classic COVID-19 indicators.
His Timeline
Day 1 (March 31st)
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea
- Deep cough with heavy mucus
- Full lung capacity, no fever
- Disturbing dreams
Day 2 (April 1st)
He added chills and hallucinations to his list of symptoms.
Day 3 (April 2nd)
His symptoms intensified.
Day 4 (April 3rd)
No improvements.
Day 5 (April 4th)
Overall improvement but still fatigued.
Day 6 (April 5th)
Annoying cough persisted.
Day 7 (April 6th)
He continued to feel fatigued.
Despite our efforts to stay safe — such as avoiding in-person gatherings and relying on delivery services — COVID-19 still found its way into our home.
Reflecting on our timeline, I recall that my seven-year-old had come home with pink eye just days before I got sick. He exhibited strange symptoms that led us to treat him for allergies first, only to later shift to pink eye protocols.
None of our children will be tested, but we assume they have been exposed based on symptoms and proximity to confirmed cases. This is a reminder to approach even mild symptoms with caution during this pandemic.
We are grateful to be on the mend and are actively collaborating with our local health department to share our experience, hoping it helps others navigate their own timelines. If I can contribute to research or offer clarity on the virus’s behavior, I’m willing to do so. For those interested in further information, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
As we continue to stay safe at home, we will make the most of our time together, watching movies, playing games, and enjoying virtual connections with friends and family.
Ultimately, no matter how well prepared I thought I was, COVID-19 found a way in. Our focus now is to keep our home safe and support others in any way we can.
Summary
In sharing my experience with COVID-19, I’ve detailed the progression of symptoms for both myself and my family while emphasizing the importance of recognizing various symptoms during this pandemic. Despite our diligent precautions, we contracted the virus. My hope is that sharing our story helps others navigate their own experiences and stay informed.