Well, it finally got me! After managing not to catch Covid-19 through the whole pandemic, my body finally succumbed.
Many people have begun to forget about Covid now; it’s a bad dream, a distant memory, not a concern any more. Certainly since government advice is that we don’t even need to test or isolate any more, it seems like Covid might be on the way out.
Worried about Covid and Asthma?
Ever since I first heard about covid and got the call to be careful and shield at home, asthma as a complication of Covid has been a real worry for me. If you’ve ever felt the lack of oxygen getting to your lungs, been gasping to draw in enough air to breathe, you’ll know why. It’s frightening and you quickly panic as the brain alerts you that urgent action is required.
So you can imagine the fear when I tested positive on Bank Holiday Monday last week. Even though we hear that the risk is much reduced, symptoms are less severe now, there had always been a worry at the back of my mind.
What was Covid like for allergic, asthmatic, eczema skin woman?
Well, it wasn’t much fun but here goes, things I noticed about having Covid:
- Headaches
- Feeling of brain swelling inside skull
- Achy limbs over whole body
- Nerve pain – this may be more linked to my tendency to experience herpes outbreaks when run down and I did get some eczema herpeticum on my face during this virus
- Dizzyness
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue, slept for days and nights
- Mild productive cough
- Cold like sypmtoms, sinus inflamed and sneezing and nose running and blowing
- Nightmares and fever
Safe to say this really knocked me for six, with about three days feeling very poorly. Paracetamol and a hot water bottle on aches really helped, and just sleeping and resting. As a freelancer I did have do some work every day of this illness and this was possible in small blocks with rest and sleeping in between The challenge of working for yourself! So I wasn’t too ill to get some work done, but I definitely struggled.
No asthma or shortness of breath with Covid
What I found most interesting was the total lack of any asthma symptoms, none at all. This had always been my biggest worry as someone who has lived with asthma most of my life.
Everyone is different, but it doesn’t seem to be one of the symptoms; this virus doesn’t seem to exacerbate asthma and certainly my experience was a very productive cough, no dryness and so easy breathing.
In fact, people with asthma are less likely to die from Covid
Research into Covid deaths showed that those who have asthma are 70% less likely to die from the virus! One reason for this could be the protective effect of some asthma medications. Watch this video about asthma and Covid and long covid.
I have no idea why asthma seems so protective but it’s great news for people with asthma for once.
Skin flare from Covid
Whether my current skin situation is in any way related to Covid is anyone’s guess. When you have eczema and indeed topical steroid withdrawal, skin flares can happen any time and be totally unrelated to anything else. However, as mentioned above in symptoms of Covid, this virus did trigger the herpes virus to activate. This may have happened anyway, but I now have a small patch of well controlled and swiftly healing herpes simplex on my chin.
Am I the only person to have only just caught Covid? Do you think we should all forget about it now?
You may also be interested in reading:
- For guidance of what to do if you get Covid visit the NHS website.
- Visit the Asthma UK website for specific advice for those with a chronic lung disease
- What if you couldn’t get your Ventolin inhaler? On the Ventolin medication swap to Salamol
- Buteyko Breathing reduces reliance on reliever inhaler
Although COVID may feel more manageable, it is still a serious health threat that we cannot ignore. It’s uncertain how severe the virus is currently, but it’s evident that it’s still present, and people are still catching it. I, as an asthmatic, was anxious about how my asthma may worsen if I caught COVID. Fortunately, I’ve never had it, and hearing that it hasn’t caused a flare-up eases my worries. However, it’s crucial to remain cautious and vigilant, as safety is always a top priority.
You are right, it is still very serious for some. I feel like I may still be feeling a little bit dizzy still and also am very tired. I’ve noticed I walk really slowly and am so tired still. Sleeping a lot, but hopefully that will pass. I too was so scared about asthma, and Covid and all these virus can change and can affect people differently. Stay safe and I hope you never get it.
I hope all the other symptoms also get better with time as well. I really hope I never get it as well
Yeah hope so too. I do feel like my capacity for running has gone down, I get worn out so fast and have to walk, I didn’t walk previously. and even walking up a nearby hill has me out of breath. Doesn’t feel like asthma, just weary and unfit. I’ll get back to my prior fitness levels. Stay safe x