Yesterday, we went out with our friends to eat a pizza. I had a bit of sniffles/postnasal drip itchy throat/cough, but this is nothing unusual for me since I suffer from all types of allergies. I felt pretty confident it was my annoying allergies also because I was sick with COVID19 symptoms just recently late August early September and usually I don't get infected with it for 3 months after getting it. I tested back then and it came negative but I tested late due to the test arriving late in the mail. I was sure it was COVID19 back then because I never got really sick in the summer before.

Well fast-forward to last night, I popped a Zyrtec pill in my mouth before seeing my friend and almost forgot about my annoying symptoms for the evening. Then, my friend confesses that she is finally pregnant. She has been trying to conceive for two years, and finally she got pregnant. She is in her mid 40s. I was happy for her and congratulated her. She said the baby is 6 or 8 weeks or so.

She is a doctor and is taking a year-long maternity leave and husband drives an ambulance. They just returned from Milan by plane. I am just hopeful that with their busy lifestyle with travel and seeing sick people they see enough COVID cases to not get it from me this time.

Fast-forward late night, I woke up with high heart rate and fever and today tested positive!

Now, I am terrified if she gets it and her baby dies from it. Can something like this happen? I so hate this virus, I can't stand it! I also need to see my elderly parents of 87 and 90 next Sunday as we are booked for a trip and wanted to say bye to them as I won't see them for 6 months but this stupid virus may now mess up all my plans.

I got over COVID last week and tested negative a few times and felt 100% better. Then Friday night, my throat started being a little bit weird. Not scratchy nor sore, but more like irritated due to post nasal drip. And even there, I barely felt it at all. My nose was also a tiny bit itchy.

That continued off and on throughout the weekend and I barely felt it and I barely feel it today but it's still kind of off and on. I tested myself yesterday morning and right now and they were both negative.

Could I still be rebounding?? I tested negative consistently since I first tested negative and I haven't taken Paxolivid??

Just nervous bc I got a few social events this week but I feel fine and have been negative so I'm confused. Also gonna test once again tmr

So I'm somebody who has suffered from pretty severe health anxiety my entire life, trigger warning for anyone of a similar persuasion. I've just got over my second covid infection (it was a bit worse than my first in 2022 but nothing too awful) which hit me by surprise after having largely forgotten covid - I'd been triple-vaxed in 2021, figured after an infection I'd have good immunity, and have been worried more about other health issues in the mean time...

I made the mistake of googling what reinfection could mean and found very scary articles implying it could lead to all sorts of health complications, do "cumulative damage" to just about every organ, etc. This really shocked me, the prevailing message here at the moment is that covid is just another virus, people without major risk factors don't have much to worry about (boosters and antivirals aren't being offered outside of high-risk groups). But now I'm finding people (on certain covid-cautious subreddits for example) expressing very doom-y opinions (that societies will all be gradually disabled by long covid, that it will lead to a horrendous epidemic of heart attacks/strokes/diabetes/dementia/Parkinson's/etc./etc. in previously healthy people...).

This is all a massive trigger for my anxiety, led to me having panic attacks during my infection which was not very helpful, and now even though I've recovered I don't know how I can feel safe. How can I stop worrying about the "silent damage" it might have done to me (or my 75yo dad who caught it at the same time)? Can we do anything to prevent these complications? Am I screwed already because I've had it twice? What about when I inevitably get it a third time?

Planning to see a therapist again soon, but if any kind voice of reason out there has some advice or evidence that I'm just being silly I'd love to hear it 😅 I will certainly start taking more precautions against further infections for sure.

Hello everyone, I am a healthy and active 25 year old male.

I've been dealing with a persistent sore throat since recovering from COVID-19, and I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar or has any advice. Here's a bit more about my situation:

• I contracted COVID-19 about six months ago. Since then, I've had a lingering sore throat that hasn't completely gone away.
• The soreness for the most part, is relatively mild (about 2.5-4/10 on the pain scale), but it's constant and tends to get worse when I'm stressed or have to use my voice extensively.
• I train regularly, eat a healthy diet, and my recent blood work came back perfect—no signs of ongoing inflammation or other issues.
• I have tried many things including every nutraceutical you can name, antibiotics, rest, elimination diets etc,.
• 4 GPs, 1 ENT later and apparently this is is novel and uncommon to the point they don't really have a clue, which is frustrating obviously.
• The sore throat is more noticeable from mid-morning when I start having to use my voice for my job, to early afternoon. Also when I wake up. It somewhat improves after I eat and usually feels better after physical activity.
• My voice often feels hoarse, and speaking loudly or for long periods can exacerbate the soreness.
• An ENT has examined me and noted minimal inflammation. The diagnosis was possibly Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), but treatments like omeprazole and Gaviscon haven't made a difference. I am a dietitian and have never had reflux issues. My diet has not changed post covid. I know this because I track EVERYTHING.
• Has anyone else dealt with lingering throat issues post-COVID?
• Have you recovered and if so how long did it take more or less?
• Are there any treatments or home remedies that you found helpful for similar symptoms?
• Could this be an autoimmune response or perhaps related to a different underlying condition that was overlooked?
• My theory is post viral inflammation, MAST cell activation, an overactive immune response, a new allergy brought on by covid or nerve damage?

Thank you.

23M. This is my first time getting COVID. Started with a fever, headache, and body aches, which all went away after 2 days. But I’ve had a sore throat for 4.5 days now, and it’s only getting worse. Today has been the worst. I can’t eat, drink, or swallow my saliva. It genuinely feels like a knife going through my throat. I’ve tried all sorts of methods of soothing the pain, but none work. The pain is absolutely unbearable in the mornings.

I called a walk-in clinic today, and the doctor prescribed azithromycin, which is an antibiotic. I’m not too sure if my sore throat is coming from just COVID or strep throat as well, so idk how effective antibiotics will be.

I’ve read that many others started to feel better around day 4 or 5, but I have a feeling my sore throat will go on longer. The pain is truly unbearable, and it just gets worse and worse.

To those who’ve had this type of crazy throat pain: What helped alleviate the pain? Were you prescribed anything for it, and if so, what was it? And how long did the sore throat last?

51F. Asking for a family member. I'm posting this here to receive support. I am a very nervous person, and tend to get very anxious if a family member falls sick, so I would appreciate any support. She just contracted COVID and has a 101.9 fever, along with severe body aches (particularly lower back) headache and sore throat. I noticed she sneezed and coughed a few times yesterday and had an itchy throat this morning... it progressed fairly quickly and now she is very sick. Took 1000 mg of Tylenol but doesn't seem to be working.

How long does this strain last? Given her health issues (high blood pressure, overweight), is she at risk? Already had COVID once back in March 2023.

I would be extremely grateful for any support.

Does taking COVID vaccine make you more vulnerable to it if you already have the virus a few days before?

Many symptoms have basically gotten better. But I’m left with a few things I could use answers to.

I keep getting random waves of exhaustion that just sort of come over me. It’s not INSANE fatigue but enough where if i lay down I could probably fall asleep. And I’m usually never able to fall asleep during the afternoon, pre Covid at least.

When I get this fatigue my hands and legs feel slightly weaker and there isn’t exactly a trigger. Before when I was at my worst post covid, my hands and legs would ache and burn, etc etc. so I’m wondering if this fatigue is a good thing / protective: because before I got a bit better, while my body didn’t feel good my mind was wired and didn’t feel fatigued.

Hi, ever since I got covid 3 weeks ago, I've been suffering from insomnia/anxiety everyday. I tried taking ambien and trazodone but none of them helped me fall asleep and maintain my sleep. I'm even taking magnesium supplements, chamomile tea and melatonin every night. I feel tired, but I just can't seem to fall asleep. I never experienced insomnia like this before. Is there anyone who experience a similar situation as mine, and can tell me how they fixed their sleep? How long did it take? I'm so sleep deprived and desperate!

I’m on week 5 since I tested positive for the 4th time, and I know everyone will say “it’s early”

But it feels like it could be long Covid, or is it typical to truly feel a massive difference after a few months?

——

I’ve read many stories of people who have this off balance feeling, skin burning face that gets really hot and feels like a fever. That’s me all the way. Only thing that helps regulate the hot body is an ice cube.

I’ll admit I try to rest but my mind is so active- and my body feels useless so it’s hard to totally shut off. I also had to walk a few times for doctors appts Please help me what can I do to beat this? Sometimes I feel better for 20 minutes then I go right back to these symptoms.

Curious to what you guys answer here.I love going to the gym ONCE in awhile and sometimes a home workout just doesn’t cut it for me as far as feeling good.Is it dangerous to go at this time?

I haven’t had the latest Covid shot and recently tested positive the line is quite faint and I feel only mildly sick. I feel much better than I did yesterday. My anxiety is getting to me though. I’m 37 with no pre existing conditions. I also had Covid once before.

My baby was born in between Delta and Omicron. For various reasons I won't go into here, we isolated stringently for a long time after his birth. My husband and I still mask in public, and until very recently, we still masked when visiting one set of my child's grandparents.

Due to the isolation measures, my son (now aged 2.5) doesn't do well socially. He's gotten better with adults but not other kids. He has only had a handful of play dates so far and doesn't attend daycare. He's a naturally a more reserved child, which, combined with lack of exposure, has led him to either fear or be disinterested in other children. For his sake, I know we have to let him have play dates, visit playgrounds and just interact with kids in general. He needs to go to school in a couple of years. However, all this makes me super anxious.

It seems the majority of society has returned to normal, treating Covid as a thing of the past, and I understand this isn't something we can control. I acknowledge there are lots of other harmful viruses and bacterial infections out there to worry about, some probably worse than Covid, so we have to balance concern/avoidance with practicality. We will have family visiting soon from abroad who want to meet up, and I am terrified at the idea of exposure through international travel...but maybe I'm being extreme in my concerns as no one else seems to bat an eye at this.

For anyone who is/has been in a similar situation, can you share your thoughts, recommendations or suggestions on this topic? I'm asking with genuine curiousity and with the intention of learning! I've tried asking a few people I know who lived more conservatively/abided by restrictions more closely how they made the decision to relax (stop masking, socialize freely/normally) and feel comfortable with the new approach, and I got two categories of responses. One camp gave vague answers along the lines of everyone's doing it/it's too exhausting or impractical to live that way anymore - this is all logic that I get, but isn't helpful toward helping me adjust my mindset. The other camp reacted sensitively, which made me think they actually aren't confident in their choice, thought I was judging them and reacted negatively (evasive, aggressive, snarky responses) as a result. Would really appreciate support and ideas on this! Thank you!

Tested positive two days ago, yesterday was absolute hell. I had all the symptoms multiplied by 10. Today was a bit better, sore throat is practically almost gone, just slight body aches that fluctuate throughout the day. How long does this current variant really last?

1st time I had COVID, I was down for like 5 days. But, this seems to be going by quicker. Also, how transmissible is it? I live w/ two individuals with weakened immune systems and had contact with them as there is physically no way possible to isolate in an apartment.

Alsoooo, how soon can I start disinfecting my bedding, etc. Everything feels so gross and germy right now. I've been trying to keep clean as much as possible by wiping freq touched surfaces in the bathroom.

No signs of improvement, and it’s really depressing. I’ve tried everything from home remedies to smell training etc. Everyone I’ve known that have had the virus has regained their taste and smell within a couple months. Is there anyone else out there like me? I’m becoming desperate for any help, or advice on what to do.

I know I don't have long covid as bad as some of you do, but I am not doing well mentally and physically so I hope anyone could share some of your insight, explanations or tips about what it is I am experiencing and what could help me. I'll keep it as short as possible:

• Had COVID 3x now. Everytime the initial infection was mild. 2 weeks later, I start to get skipped heartbeats (PVC's + PAC's), as diagnosed by a cardiologist. And I can feel all of them. After the first infection, they went away in few weeks. After the 2nd, it took about 5 weeks to disappear. Now after my 3rd, I still have them 4 months later.
• I have had PVC's and PAC's before COVID even existed, but the frequency was very rare. I.e. 1 per month on average. Since COVID I have 5-100 per day.
• I have also had bouts of SVT before, that lasted anywhere from 2 to 15 seconds and only happend once per 8-12 months or so. After my last COVID infection, this 'kickstarted' my cardiac symptoms with a SVT episode of about 2-3 minutes. Never had something this scary before.
• I went to the cardiologist in 2021 and in 2022 after my COVID infections. I've had Holter monitors, EKG's, blood test and an echocardiogram. Nothing to be seen, all normal except for the PVC's PAC's. I have not went to the doctor since my last infection. I don't think anything has changed in my heart structually. I assume the palpitations are caused by something else
• Other symptoms are intestinal issues, frequent toilet visits, increased depression and anxiety. Although the latter might be a direct result from the daily PVC's and PAC's.
• I often have a low level of ' background stress'.
• The palpitations often get worse with stress and nervousness. However, before COVID this wasn't the case. Meaning that stress is a trigger, but not the cause
• Usually, lying down makes them better. And they often get better in the evening / night as well.
• I have no exercise intolerance, excessive tiredness, shortness of breath, etc.

I have tried so far:

• Antihistamines (1x 10 mg of ceterizine per day). This seemed to decrease the amount of skipped beats
• Magnesium (2x 125 mg per day in the form of Malate and Taurate)
• Removal of high histamine foods in the diet
• Meditation, less screen time, etc to reduce stress

Things were going a bit better last weeks, with more days with 1-5 per day than on the higher end of the spectrum. The last 3 days it is worse again, with like 25-30 per day and more intestinal issues.
2 weeks ago I caught a random cold virus (not COVID). Is it possible that this other virus could have increased my symptoms again?

What could be the root cause here? MCAS? Histamine intolerance? Micro clots? Also, it is interesting that I had some PVC's / PAC's and SVT before, but never close to these amounts. Also, anxiety was present before COVID, but not as physical as it is now. Is it possible that COVID somehow amplifies the things that were already there? And is there anyone who's story sound similar to mine? And what has helped you?

Thanks so much. I want to get rid of these heart symptoms so badly so that I can enjoy living my life again.
Take care everyone.

After a long while avoiding it, I finally caught the virus, I had a very aggressive anxiety during the pandemic due to the whole process of learning how to live with it, but now, I'm fairly okay, I got Vaxxed and boosted in 2022-2023, and I usually get the flu very often, like 2 times per year, so Covid, despite the first chock that I caught it, is fairly manageable, of course I bought a lot, which long term is a concern for my lungs.

I'm on my 7th day now, I lost the taste and smell during my 4th and still have no clue when it will come back, I don't know if the process of regaining it comes after testing negative, which I still haven't, I don't have the symptoms anymore, just coughing a bit, but even that is getting better, as I said I'm on my 7th and I'm still testing positive and I need to work to help back home. I tried arguing for a home office position while I'm with covid, but they won't let me. Usually, how long did it take for you to test negative again? And I'm asking not only for work purposes but so I can mask off inside my home too.

Looking for support: I'm really struggling with health anxiety after getting my first ever COVID infection this month.

I have POTS and before my COVID infection, I had been working with my care team to start working out and being active again after a heart surgery. I looked on Reddit to get an idea of when people started working out after COVID and it sent me into a major doom spiral. I kept reading about how people would return to exercise and suddenly develop long COVID, have heart attacks out of the blue, and other major complications, and it makes me so scared to do anything.

Because of my POTS, I had to give up long distance running, and it was devastating. I started playing pickleball and weightlifting as a replacement and both make me so happy. I don't want to go through the trauma of losing another form of exercise I really love and that improve my mental health in less than a year.

I know people totally have a right to share their experiences and some of those experiences have been helpful to read, but all I do now is read these posts and think about how that technically could happen to me too. Any time I have chest pain from my POTS, which is a common symptom, I think it's myocarditis. I keep thinking about how any workout I want to do, could be the one that makes me permanently sick.

I'm in therapy and I plan to discuss this with my therapist when I see them next, and I plan on discussing this with my care team as well. Does anyone have any advice on how to not have health anxiety consume you completely?

I find myself confused, as there are varied, conflicting guidelines from different health authorities. I live in Canada, but saying 'so follow your local guidelines' doesn't make sense, as the virus doesn't act differently in different countries.

This past Tuesday (June 18) I developed cold-like symptoms. The next day (Wed June 19) I developed a fever, and did a covid test which was clearly positive). I had some fever Wed. and Thurs, but today (Friday June 21) I seem to have no fever, and most of the symptoms are gone and I feel a lot better. My main symptoms were just stuffed, runny nose, and fever that went up to 37.5 (around 101 F).

Most guidelines seem to say I could start going out tomorrow, but should wear a mask around people for about another 5 days. But this is where it gets confusing. My workplace says I am not required to mask. What would you do in my situation?

The other question I have is about what my wife should do. She has no symptoms. Should she mask when around people?

I don't care so much about the specific health authority recommendations; I want to figure out what makes sense, based on what we know about this virus.

I’ve had a headache since yesterday and Tylenol barely helped. I tried peppermint and lavender oil on my scalp which helped a little but not much. Tried turmeric and ginger but they don’t touch it. Already been to the doc they just recommended the Tylenol but it doesn’t really help. Has anyone had any luck trying anything else for Covid headache? I can’t take ibuprofen or naproxen.

Btw I’ve been testing negative for Covid but I’m 99% sure that’s what it is because I’ve never had a headache like this from a regular cold. It’s similar to the headache I had when I had Covid last year. I also have sore throat, fatigue and body aches.

I am 28, I thought since I never went to any pride events before that I would go to one that my community was having. There was about over 50 people there. It was a small bar so it was packed. I stayed for a few hours and left. Then yesterday I saw there was another event going on, this time a drag show..it was in a bigger building but it was even more packed I’d say more than 100 people. I completely forgot to mask. I forgot about risks of COVID. I am now really worried I could get it/have it from exposure being around so many people. There was not one person masked. I’ve heard Covid infections are rising again as well. Chances are someone or a couple people had Covid there, and more than likely I will get it. Right? Have any of y’all went to a public/social events with a lot of people and not get Covid? I just need support. Thank you..

Hello! I posted here before about being nervous about going to a convention. (I ended up not going, but that was due to hobby drama rather than concerns about infection, and since then, I’ve been able to get on a plane! It was for a medical procedure, but I still had a lot of fun looking out the window, staying in a hotel, etc.)

I’m concerned because I had to take off my K95 mask to get a MRI. (Something is wrong with my spine and/or skull, which is a pretty common complication for the genetic condition I have.) I was given a surgical mask, but it didn’t really fit. The technician wore a surgical mask too, but I’m not sure if that did anything. Theoretically, I'm more likely to die from not treating whatever's going on with my spine, but I still wish I'd been more careful.

What can I do to reduce my odds of getting sick if I’ve been exposed? I have Paxlovid (my lung specialist wanted to make sure I have it if I need it) and an oximeter under my bed, as well as my cardiologist’s contact info if I need to be admitted, but I’d rather things not get to that point. I’ve been chugging orange juice and eating elderberry gummies, but I’m not sure what else to do.

there's some news going around about a certain covid-19 vaccine and it's just giving me bad flashbacks. my entire family was anti-vax, and so i spent majority of the pandemic navigating the scary times on my own. i was always looking out for my own back and at the same time, my family's. now that this new news is out (withdrawal of a certain vaccine from the market due to low demand), the anti-vax has resurfaced in my family. they' believe it's being withdrawn for safety issues. and now they have a sort of self-righteousness about this issue. now everything feels like what it did before (maybe to a much lesser extent, but nonetheless very much similar).

i guess i'm just trying to say that i guess this pandemic still left us with a lot of trauma to work with.

I tested positive on Monday and I've been experiencing a lot of ruminating and anxiety, more so than usual. Do I just have too much time to think or is anyone else experiencing this?

Not sure what exactly I want to ask here, so I'm sorry. I'm just at a loss of anywhere to talk/share this so I thought here might be okay.

I gave birth in the ICU in winter 2020 after getting severe covid and my o2 dropping to the 80s.

I ended up getting severely depressed within 6 months postpartum and gaining nearly 100lbs. I've been desperately trying to lose the weight on my own but I've just felt like I've been sucked into quick sand and can't seem to get myself out.

I function and take care of my 2 kids, they're healthy, happy and in sports. I keep on top of house work well enough and even managed to open and operate a hobby business while running the house. But I beat myself up pretty horribly every night and I physically feel like a completely different human than before covid.

All family I am around got pretty heavy into the conspiracy stuff and called covid "just a cold" even after my experience so it's all felt pretty lonely going through the aftermath of my experience. Sort of like being gaslit through a pretty substantial traumatic experience.

Anyone else in a similar boat? What's helped you out of this pit?

Tested positive 2/23 and negative 3 days in a row starting on 2/28 only symptoms were generally feeling sick headache sore throat and feeling like someone was sitting on my chest.

After testing negative the chest pain persisted for about a week. Then I would feel chest tightness anytime I would exert myself no matter how light. Minor aerobic exercise would feel like I ran a 5k no SOB though. I was getting pain in my neck on the left side in my ear and jaw almost like an ear infection. I’ve been overwhelmingly tired.

Went to the docs and they said it was anxiety and that they’re not seeing as many post covid problems that they used to see. Ears were a little clogged but give it time and come back if I want to do some anxiety meds.

Here we are 3 weeks later and a month and a half after Covid and the feeling like I ran a mile after doing any light exercise has finally subsided but the pain in the neck,jaw,shoulder, ear is still there. I’ve been feeling dizzy, not like room spinning dizzy but just like the sensation of dizzy. My chest still hurts in general like when you are in a weird position for too long and then move. I’ve been getting more obvious floaters and flashings in my eyes. It seems like some symptoms are starting to fade and others are starting to pop up. Idk if this is just my bodies healing process or if I’m on the verge of heart exploding or stroking out or something. You couldn’t convince me I wasn’t having an artery dissection the other night.

So does this get better. Will I get better?

I also am aware that anxiety could be a big issue in this and will explore that option once I know that I’m relatively fine from the other stuff. Last thing I need is an anuyerism but I’m less panicked because I took a Xanax.

I've heard anything from 1% to 50% of people who have COVID will develop long COVID. I just tested positive last night, I think I have been sick for a week now (it was very mild and mostly stomach-related so I did not realize, yesterday I felt very winded as if I'd exercised but today that's gone and it's just stomach weirdness left over), but at this point, I'd like to know the odds. It seems like it's changed with current variants, are there any studies about that? What about other factors? And finally, what about ways to reduce the risk? (I've heard good things about some vitamins, but it's hard to find solid sources!) I'm already pretty disabled and I don't want it to get worse.

Just curious as I may be seeking care

I feel so stupid. This is the first time I’ve had it. My friend invited me out to go somewhere, I had no idea what it was, even after paying to get in I still wasn’t sure but it turned out to be the smallest space possible filled with the most people possible. Pinball machines back to back, arcade games shoulder to shoulder. I didn’t want to tell my friend never mind since he paid $15 to get me in, but wow do I regret being there. I have nose spray and mouth wash that I haven’t even been using, which I normally do after a possible exposure..I’m going to start taking zinc and vitamin D again, and using the nose spray/mouth wash, and just pray that this goes away. I already have a sore throat coming in, low grade headache and stuffy nose. Have any of yall done something that you knew would get you sick and you were right?

Hi! I tested positive for COVID on 2/1 and tested negative by 2/4. My symptoms were pretty mild - fatigue, chest pain, but nothing scary. I’ve had some bouts of brain fog since which has been the worst symptom but it doesn’t interfere with my day to day severely.

I haven’t exercised other than walks and housework since my diagnosis and I’m starting to go insane. I really miss moving my body. I am terrified of developing long COVID or any other long term issues and it’s incredibly frustrating there is little consensus about how to safely return to exercise. I would love to return to Pilates and yoga which I think are low impact. I’m hoping this community might be able to help! Thank you so much :)