THREAD: Today's the first day in over 5 weeks I haven't had a sore throat, shortness of breath, or both. I don't think I've had COVID-19 - and I haven't been severely ill. I'm only posting this because I'm sure a lot of people have been in a similar situation to mine

Important context: I have COPD, so any cold or flu can produce nasty, and hard to shake off, symptoms. My symptoms were never severe enough (no fever), or my contact history "interesting" enough, to meet the sensibly strict criteria Berlin has set for tests. I was fine with that

I was fortunate enough to get to a doc just over a month ago, just before things got really hectic. My lung function was good, and I had a blood test, which confirmed it wasn't a bacterial infection, and was "probably" a seasonal virus - it was in the middle of that season here

Having COPD meant at times I was genuinely frightened - there's little comfort in hearing the encouraging "It doesn't seem to be really dangerous as long as you don't have an underlying condition". :) It's also why I don't think I had COVID - I likely would have been a lot sicker

Between the thankfully few bouts of paralysing fear, I was doing the things I've got used to over the years: conscious breathing exercises, regular use of my inhaler, cycling Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, and lots of salt water gargles

The salt water is always a help; it isn't a "cure" for anything, but it tackles pain and swelling enough to give you the patience to let your immune system go to work. And, along with the painkillers and anti-inflammatories, it helps with that other important thing: sleep

Everyone else in the house developed mild symptoms too, but we're all fine. We've also been *very* strict about isolating - as much for others as ourselves. Even shopping has involved masks, touching nothing but what we buy, & waiting for a quiet moment to approach the checkout

So, I don't *think* I've had COVID, but if & when we reach the stage that anyone can be tested for antibodies, I'll be getting checked as soon as I can.
I have to say also, the official response in Berlin has up to this point been very encouraging. Fingers crossed /END OF THREAD/