You Might Survive COVID-19, But Can You Live?

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COVID 19 symptoms slide

COVID-19, The Virus That Doesn’t Quit

Since COVID-19 first surfaced, a lot of conversations in the news or on social media focused on the “survival rate”. Friends and strangers fight about the severity on Facebook. They throw out percentages and argue as if they’ve become overnight experts on viruses, fatalities and transmission. Inevitably, someone will compare it to the flu or a common cold, while others argue the numbers are inflated.

In reality, epidemiologists and virologists agree there’s still much about the 2019 novel coronavirus that remains unknown. Personally, we’ve had friends that have tested positive and recovered within two weeks. However, we’ve also had friends hospitalized with the virus. Another friend, a healthy 31 year old, is currently on week 12 of COVID-19 symptoms with no end in sight.

So we joined a Facebook group, CORONAVIRUS SURVIVOR CORPS, to learn more about how the virus is affecting people. How long are they sick? What’s helping them with recovery? A COVID survivor, Karyn Bishof, decided to share her personal story and conduct a survey to start compiling data.

Her mission: recognition of long term effects of COVID-19.

  • awareness of the wide range of symptoms.
  • medical community involvement and progress.
  • media help to educate the public and concern.
  • validation and support for covid 19 survivors.
  • help proving to doctors, employers, family and friends you are not alone and to listen to you/ help.

In order to qualify to participate in the survey, you must have a confirmed case of COVID-19 via swab or antibody test, and experience issues or symptoms for more than four weeks.

covid-19 LONG HAUL SURVEY

Bishof’s Personal Experience With COVID-19

Karyn is a 30 year old, single mom that describes herself as healthy and fit. Her only pre-existing condition is hypertension which is under control. She experienced her first symptoms on 3/15 and tested positive on 3/23.

Currently, its day 102 and week 14 of continued symptoms. She’s still experiencing shortness of breath (with coughing fits and activity), cough, headache and extreme fatigue. These are in addition to other symptoms she experiences in waves, they come and go. During the worst of her COVID-19 battle, she was scared she might fall asleep and not wake up.

And to make things even more frustrating for Karyn and others with similar experiences, the doctors often respond with doubt and no solutions. COVID patients describe encounters with their doctor as if they are speaking to a log. Many doctors have no idea how to treat the continuing symptoms of “long haulers”.

What are “long haulers” experiencing?

Symptoms seem to be all over the map for many COVID-19 patients, but from the data compiled by Karyn Bishof, it suggests the virus is having a neurological impact. Ninety percent of respondents report chronic fatigue, while 87% report experiencing headaches. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating was reported by 85% and 84% are having trouble sleeping.

COVID-19, The Virus That Doesn't Quit
Survey results from long haulers as compiled by Karyn Bishof

Then there are the symptoms many have not heard about until they experience them first-hand. Dry mouth (62%), GI issues (39%), chest pain (78%) or acid reflux (58%). Roughly 51% of survey respondents have been dealing with some of these symptoms/issues for over three months.

COVID-19, The Virus That Doesn't Quit
Survey results compiled by Karyn Bishof

Does that sound like the flu?

All of us want to return to a world before COVID-19. We want to be able to spend time with family, take vacations, and even grocery shop without worrying about being exposed to this virus. The challenge, is knowing if you do contract COVID-19, will you have the mild version or end up hospitalized and on a vent? Perhaps, you won’t need to be admitted – only 49% of the respondents went to the hospital, with only 13% of those being admitted. However, even if you’re able to recover from home, will you be one of those that experiences symptoms for months on end?

Maybe you don’t want to roll the dice and take a chance with this new illness that affects one person mildly and leaves another with permanent heart damage. Then, we ask that you wear a mask, wash your hands, and tell your friends and family COVID-19 isn’t the flu.

Karyn has started a support group on Facebook and is working on compiling more data.

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation