A week ago, I tested positive for #COVID19. Here’s my experience so far, how my symptoms have progressed, and why I hope you’ll #WearAMask ... even if our governor won’t mandate them to protect public health (or even wear one in his tv interview). 1/THREAD https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/governor-says-people-know-what-do-keep-covid-19-cases-down/3V37ZD4ELRFZXLCDVKAPIMACCA/

I’ll start by saying that our family has been diligent in observing Georgia’s previous shelter-in-place order and social distancing as #COVID19 spread. When we could finally leave the house, I wore a mask >90-95% of the time. But masks work best when EVERYONE wears them. 2/

My symptoms started with fatigue & awful headaches for 2-3 days. Then, I had what I thought was ‘food poisoning’. The next morning I had a terrible sore throat & painful body aches. I still had no idea I had #coronavirus. 3/

Nearly a week into my symptoms, my body aches worsened & I started to cough. I still didn’t have a fever, but booked a #Covid_19 test because my parents (mid-60s) were visiting us. By the time I arrived at the testing site a few hours later, I could barely stand & had a fever. 4/

It was shocking how quickly my symptoms went from mild and annoying, to much more severe — a matter of hours. The provider who administered my #COVIDー19 test told me I had a “text book case” but would have to wait 2-3 days for the results while starting my 14 day quarantine. 5/

The #COVIDー19 test is NOT as bad as you think. The symptoms, unfortunately, are. I have what I think is a “mild” case... and for days, my ribs and joints hurt so bad that moving was painful. Weeks later, I’m still coughing. A lot. And I’m completely physically exhausted. 6/

The worst part of #COVIDー19 was my 9 year old asking me what will happen if I die. We talked about faith, heaven & death (+ her concerns re stepmoms). We agreed Plan A is mommy gets better. She knows I’ll probably be fine, but it was an unexpected & jarring conversation. 7/

My #coronavirus test results ultimately came back positive. Unfortunately, it appears both my parents have #COVID as well. For anyone who thinks the virus has gone away, I can assure you it has not. While I’ve seen some improvement over the last two weeks, I’m far from well. 8/

I’m still coughing, exhausted & can’t taste anything (weirdest #COVID symptom), but I’m grateful my fever’s gone, body aches are improving & I’m quarantining at home.

#WearAMask — it’s not political. It protects our families & communities from a virus I’d not wish on anyone. 9/9