Why I’m choosing to share our COVID story is pretty simple: I searched high and low for families or online forums where personal COVID19 stories were being talked about. I wanted to know what to expect (although everyone’s story is different), any sequelae in kids, and reassurance that we’d be okay. My experience was so challenging and anxiety-inducing, that I’m hoping that by sharing my journey I’m able to alleviate some stress from someone else going through COVID19.
Watch Our COVID Journey HERE
HOW WE GOT IT
Both of my children have been homeschooled since February of this year. We’ve been pretty strict with quarantining and only allowed family into our home for a pre-holiday gathering after everyone tested negative. This was not the event that started it all.
On Thursday November 12th, I was hesitant to take my son to his soccer end-of-the-year party because I had not taken them to a restaurant in a while. This restaurant had an outdoor play area along with distanced tables and chairs, so I thought it would not be too big of an issue since we would be wearing masks. In true Texas fashion, we were the only people wearing masks at the party. For the most part, the boys did a good job at keeping their masks on. This was until I noticed my four-year-old chatting with his friend near the slide with his mask under his chin. Instead of my usual instinct to head over and remind him to lift his mask up, I decided not to interrupt his conversation since it was so cute. That, however, was the moment when things went left.
OUR SYMPTOMS
Forty-eight hours later, my four-year-old spiked a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit while he was at his grandmother’s house. Over the course of the next six days, we managed his fever with Tylenol every 4-6 hours and monitored his oxygen (O2) saturation for any significant changes.
I had him tested on Day 3 of symptoms which came back positive 24 hours later.
For the first 4 days of his symptoms, no one else in the home felt ill so I was convinced we were in the clear. Then my youngest woke up with nose congestion. The same day I started feeling like I was run over by a truck. Body aches, chills and chest congestion.
Luckily, my husband was out of town for 2 weeks so he did not get sick like the rest of us.
SUPPLEMENTS AND MEDICATIONS FOR COVID RELIEF
Instead of chasing the fever, we decided to get ahead of it. For our family, we maintained a consistent schedule of Tylenol every 5 to 6 hours until our fever and body aches were under control. My oldest was the only one with a fever that reached up to 103 for 7 days straight.
Water is your best friend. Make sure to stay hydrated.
Supplements and medications that I took during Covid illness include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, seamoss pills, aspirin 81 mg, Tylenol, quercetin, and omega 3. The biggest thing I’ve discovered in my research is strengthening the immune system which called for the vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, seamoss pills. The quercetin helps the body absorb zinc and omega 3 is for cardiovascular and cognitive health. Coronavirus has shown to have implications in these areas so not a bad idea to start and maintain on omega 3.
Over time we’ve found COVID patients enter a hypercoagulable state which lends to the risk of stroke or DVT. This is why I started a low-dose aspirin but it is not necessarily recommended for everyone. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN. (Risk of Reyes disease).
The two most important items for any home right now:
- a thermometer 2. a pulse oximeter
The way I approach to, there are some findings of silent hypoxia which presents in adults as symptoms of shortness of breath, in which we witnessed in one of our family members. It is of the utmost importance to monitor your O2 saturation as you monitor your temperature to make sure that it stays within a normal range. This is what often causes hospital admissions for Covid patients. If your O2 saturation stays lower than 94%, I recommend you get evaluated immediately in case you are needing intervention such as steroids for a chest x-ray.
2 Things We Did Every Day While Getting Over COVID
- Making sure to go for a walk outside. At times we were winded or uncomfortable but by the end of our short walks we felt much better
- Sleep on your stomach. if you are experiencing any time or chest discomfort or difficulty breathing during COVID, lay prone on your stomach if you are laying down.
HOW LONG UNTIL TASTE AND SMELL COME BACK FROM COVID
I gradually started losing my sense of taste and smell on day 7. They weren’t completely gone until day ten and it’s remained that way for about a week now. For some individuals, these symptoms only last a few days but for others, it can be months before their senses revert. There is also a possibility that they may not return at all.
WHAT WERE THE WORST DAYS
Days 7-11 hands down. If you think yours is mild and you’re still within the first 4 days just wait on it. I had very mild aches at first that turned into severe fatigue brain fog, chest pain, shortness of breath, low-grade fever, dry cough then stomach discomfort and nausea.
Remember: Take COVID seriously, we, unfortunately, infected the grad parents who had completely different symptoms then us. I am grateful that they did not need to be hospitalized but not everyone is as lucky. I will definitely get the vaccine once its deemed safe because I am unsure how long and if we have any immunity. I will update this article with any new information and findings. Stay safe
*As a reminder, I am a medical provider but I am NOT your medical provider. This is not medical advice, just sharing our experience.
