#Covid experiences: Thread and discussion
I wanted to start this thread for people to share their experiences after contracting China virus so that others can be prepared or reassured as the case may be.

Despite wearing a mask + distancing and sanitization I contracted COVID in mid October when cases in Bengaluru were increasing at about 6000/day. I got a mild nasal discharge and I was immediately suspicious. I isolated myself from family - mask at home/no sharing towels spoons

No fever. Very mild muscular pains on day 1. Day 3 I lost my sense of smell and went for a COVID test which was positive. No symptoms so I isolated at home for 2 days but my doctor colleagues told me to get tested and admitted - a very good decision.

Though I had no cough/breathlessness by day 4 my chest X ray was mildly abnormal & had slight fever. Initial tests were normal, but repeat tests on day 6 showed raised levels of "D-Dimer" and other parameters.Serious warning signs. I was admitted and intensive treatment started.

Do not simply self isolate at home when you are COVID positive. See a doctor & a series of tests MUST BE done. If they are normal they must be repeated after 2 days. COVID19 can be very mild for the 1st week but by second week it can get very serious even life threatening

When tests are abnormal treatment must be started early to give you the best chance of recovery. Do not take it lightly. I am well now. I had no symptoms in hospital and I pretty much have no after effects. My sense of smell is coming back

..and for those who are interested I did have a CT scan that showed mild lung involvement with a score of 7 out of 25. My 87 year old aunt next door had a CT score of 23/25 and needed tons of oxygen+ICU treatment. But she recovered.

Remember the stories that appeared on SM. "My father had mild fever and became better. But after 1 week he suddenly became short of breath and died." That is how COVID attacks. Mild for a week but in a few people deadly increase in damage in week 2. Seek help early. Do not ignore

The absolute worst advice given in India and exploited by businesses is to buy a pulse oximeter for Rs 2500 and monitor your own oxygen concentration at home while self isolating. As if you will understand what the hell is happening. Seek medical advice

The majority of cases are when entire families get infected. An infected person wearing a mask can protect everyone else. If you get a fever/cough/cold at home, protect your family by wearing a mask. Stop sharing towels/toothpaste. Don't touch anything without sanitizing.

There are known cases where one infected person was wearing a mask in an aircraft and no one got infected, while many got infected in other cases where the infected person did not wear a mask. Protect your family. Wear a mask if you get fever/cough/cold