WITH CORONAVIRUS dominating the news lately you’d be forgiven for worrying about whether you’re at a greater risk of catching the virus. The truth is, some groups are more at risk, and more likely to experience a serious illness, but it has been stressed that anyone can catch it and anyone can pass it on.

The start of my COVID-19 experience was pretty standard protocol. It was regular scheduled planning with my daily radio show on BBC Radio 1Xtra up until March 17 which is when I had been advised that because of my Renal failure, the safest option would be to ‘self-isolate’ for the twelve-week period suggested to all that are ‘high risk’ of contracting or being most affected by the virus.

The criteria include those with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant women and the elderly.

With my condition, dialysis sessions are imperative – I usually have three a week, so although I was self-isolating, I had to attend these appointments as standard. It was the Friday of my first week isolating,

I had my usual appointment however once it was complete and I came off of the dialysis machine, I started to feel different. Strange, unwell. That weekend is when the symptoms of COVID-19 started to appear.

I had a really intense fever and cold sweats but no dry cough. I wasn’t sure if I had just come down with a regular bug at really bad timing or if this was the virus coming to the surface from the inside, out.

Feeling depleted, I tried to rest as much as possible and stay hydrated.

Monday seemed to come around in the blink of an eye – probably because I was pretty wiped out but I did start to feel like my symptoms were improving. I got straight on the phone to my doctors to check if I should attend my dialysis appointment as per but was advised to go to another hospital so I could receive treatment in isolation as I had displayed two of three of the main symptoms that had been heavily highlighted.

This was understandably a preventative measure as not to spread the virus further if I had in fact contracted it, although at this point it wasn’t confirmed I actually had it.

After my session, I was tested for the virus. This was in the form of a swab to the back of the throat. Although uncomfortable, it wasn’t severe, very painful or anything I had heard or imagined. I was told I would receive results in approximately a week’s time but in the meantime to go back to self-isolating and taking good care.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much further information – probably because as this pandemic is still a very new medical issue, research is still underway – from a medical perspective I suspect the general consensus is that it is better to under inform than misinform, but still, it doesn’t prevent sending you in to overdrive thinking the absolute worst or worrying about what happens to you next.

I started to do my own research online – you automatically assume that as you are placed in a vulnerable category, the implications of contracting COVID-19 are life threatening or worse, life terminating without hope. I am glad to say this was not the case, not even near for which I am utterly so grateful.

I made a video the day after returning home from my COVID-19 testing to raise awareness to those who believed they were unable to become affected but also to give hope to those worried, especially matching the vulnerable criteria, that becoming infected meant inevitably the end of the road.

I have not had any further symptoms and now am just awaiting a deeper understanding on if there are any long-term effects on my condition and also if I am now immune and can stop self-isolating. This may take some time whilst scientists are still getting to grips with this all.

I like to be out and about. Socially, professionally and just at free will really. Some positive things I have been focusing on daily, I believe are getting me through these uncertain times – hopefully they may help you too:

1. Establish some form of routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just something to make life feel structured day by day. Wake up and get straight out of bed, shower, breakfast!
2. Keep yourself entertained – maybe now is a good time to learn a new craft, or work on an existing one. Nobody is suggesting you become a crocheting expert in 48 hours but it is good to keep your mind stimulated – Meditate for five minutes a day or do something that sparks joy for you and others if possible. I have been DJ’ing and hosting bi-weekly ‘parties’ on my social media which has definitely been a saving grace.
3. Keeping active, hydrated and eating as healthily as you can is vital. For your immune system, your gut health and your overall self-care.
4. Keeping in touch with friends and family, whether over the phone or via online video calls, are equally important. Do not shut yourself off, check in on your strong friends as well as the introverts and try to stay positive. Equally acknowledge the times you feel down will pass and they are equally as valid to navigate through to the other side of.

Massive thanks to the NHS and the care workers that are pushing through daily in such challenging circumstances. Remember – stay home, stay safe, save lives.