Can't thank my girlfriend and my friends enough for the support they provided when I got covid sick. Although they are all distance, were able to talk me through the bad days, order food and get me to where I'm now stable. My girlfriend ordered several rounds of food to get me through. My friends ordered groceries and dropped off an 02 checker and prescription.
The first days seem like nothing, very minor. Ideally, you aren't exposing to others, but get what you need in advance. It really hits hard around days 6-14 which is the peak time for ER visit. The ER can't do much for you other than help give comfort to go home and recover as long as your immune system is working. Avoid going but if you are in trouble, then you gotta. If you are more severe with o2 level dropping, they'll give oxygen or possibly try injections like Remedsvire. I didn't get that, wasn't bad enough. I understand there is no cost for covid treatment or hospital visits (was told by my city). Here's what you can do.
Apparently there are different responses to covid, but there is a common pattern:
This is pretty accurate: https://www.the-sun.com/news/554654/coronavirus-symptoms-day-by-day-when-to-expect-signs-of-killer-bug-to-strike/
Have an o2 pulse/oxy monitor on hand and a way to check your temperature. I bought a "head" lazer unit for temperature check which is much easier than thermometer.
Have Tylenol or Advil on hand to cut the fever.
Have supply of water and drinks you can tolerate and some food staples.
Dr. may prescribe an inhaler, have to find a way to get it. My friends picked up and dropped off as I was too dangerous to drive.
My girlfriend was with her best friend who is a head nurse in NYC, lucky for me. They were hanging out shopping when I was approaching the worst of this and both encouraged me to go to the hospital when I wasn't taking it seriously. It wasn’t that big a deal...until it hit hard! I went to the ER next day by squad car. My girlfriend/BNF gave advice to sleep on the stomach, not back. That's a life safer. The virus wants you to sit still, rest and it feels good to lay on your back. But that is when it seems to settle in and do damage, filling lungs with fluid, damaging heart and other organs. Lay on your stomach to breathe when you rest. I suspect some people are dying because of how they position themselves. Maybe they think it is the flu and just need to rest, its not, this thing is insidious and wants to kill. Gotta get up and move when there is no motivation. You have to move around and lay on stomach when the virus programs you to not want to move and lay back.
My girlfriend would video chat me (zoom) each day to check my color and response and help guide through medications, motivated me to eat something (when nothing sounds good) and get up to move around which was essential because it took a lot of effort to move. She was very supportive when I felt like a lifeless vegetable. This is one of those times you want a good strong relationship and supportive, clear thinking partner with your best interests in mind. Too many people think based upon being young and healthy. Ask yourself if some friends with benefits, hookup or whatever is going to be there for you through thick and thin when you are your worst?
There were few days I could barely talk, was shaking so bad and couldn't breathe, around day 10-12. In my case, I live alone so there was no one else to infect, so that was actually good to have online support and door delivery, I didn't want to infect anyone else.
Drink plenty of water, it seems the virus has to be sweated out and you’ll sweat a lot.
For me, nothing tastes right or good. Soup like chicken soup, or cream of chicken soup has been the best. My girlfriend ordered these shipped to my door.
I could very easily be dead had I not had support. Many may die because of lack of support or underlying issues. We just see numbers on TV, ever number is some unique story.
I hope you stay safe.
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