During the extended spring break of 2020, I was tested positive for COVID-19. I most likely obtained it through work, but did not know until one of my co-workers announced that they were positive as well. It was truly an experience, involving a lot of rest, watching movies, playing my guitar to kill time, and keeping myself socially distanced from my family and friends at all times. I am here to spread awareness and clear up any confusion about any COVID-19 myths and say if they are true or false from personal experience.
- COVID-19 is not real?
The disease I had to experience and the contribution to the shutdown of Hide-a-way Lake and the cancelation of the annual firework show held every July 4th is all a myth. All jokes aside, COVID-19 is very much real.
- COVID-19 is no worse than the flu?
When I had it, I experienced loss of smell, headaches, fatigue, and body aches. To compare my experience with COVID with my experience with the seasonal flu, I would have to admit that the flu was a much worse experience because I had a fever and felt awful the entire time. Fortunately, studies show that the youth are not as heavily affected by COVID compared to people who have respiratory issues and the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the flu causes around 12,000 to 61,000 deaths per year. As of this writing, there are nearly 189,000 deaths in the U.S alone due to COVID. So no, COVID is not “just the flu.”
- “You’ll know” if you have COVID-19?
My symptoms were minor, and I found my headaches and neck pains to be normal because I always dealt with that minor inconvenience for a little while. I was completely unaware of the fact that I was exposed and positive, and made me less careful and exposed some people that shouldn’t have been exposed to COVID.
- Will masks cause CO2 poisoning?
Though it can be uncomfortable, it does not cause oxygen deficiency or carbon dioxide (CO2) intoxication (when too much CO2 builds up in the bloodstream), according to WHO. This also applies to N95 and cloth masks. Wearing a mask in the presence of other people drastically lowers the chances of you spreading COVID to others,
My experience with COVID-19 was not life threatening, but that’s not the case for everyone who suffers through this life-threatening disease. Luckily I was not at high risk when I had it, but there are plenty of elderly individuals and individuals that have respiratory problems that could be at deadly risks if they were exposed to COVID-19. All in all, society as a whole should wear a mask when around or with people, be considerate, and be safe to slow the spread of COVID so we can go back to the good ol’ days.
