Page 29 - November 2020 Voices

Symptoms of Coronavirus

Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Older adults and people who have severe
underlying medical conditions like heart or lung
disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for

My wife is my frontline hero. She kept me developing more serious complications from
current on my medications. She encouraged me COVID-19 illness.
in the worst of the struggle. She kept me going. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range
She drove me to the emergency room when I of symptoms reported – ranging from mild

thought I was in trouble. And, she had COVID-19 symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may
at the same time. Thank God, her symptoms were appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
much less than mine! People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Hydration and nourishment (most notably, • Fever or chills

protein) are critical. Both were very difficult for • Cough
me. I was never fully hydrated. Water tasted like • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
metal. Most foods tasted poor or had no taste. The • Fatigue
only meal I liked was spaghetti and meatballs! • Muscle or body aches

I could tolerate one sports drink. I had to chug • Headache
water to get it down. • New loss of taste or smell
Have a recovery plan. Be conservative. Move • Sore throat
your body. Eat right. Allow yourself to rest. Tell • Congestion or runny nose

everyone you are concentrating on recovery. • Nausea or vomiting
There is life after COVID-19. I’m running over • Diarrhea
30 miles a week now. I have an appetite. I still This list does not include all possible
symptoms {more}.
have a nagging cough. My wife has recovered.

We may have the antibodies, but we don’t live Coronavirus Self-Checker
as if we do. A tool to help you make decisions on when to
COVID-19 is real. It does not respect you. You seek testing and medical care.
must respect it. For more information, click the

Peter joined Toastmasters in 2006. He is a member CDC Self Test box to go to the CDC
of Clark County Toastmasters, Speakers with Spirit, CDC Coronavirus website. Self Test
and New Beginnings. He is currently serving as Area
84 director.

VOICES! | NOVEMBER 2020 29