Well... if you've been wondering where I was Friday... then Monday... and now Today... It's because I got hit by the COVID truck here in Billings.
Now, whether or not you agree with vaccination is not my thing to argue with you on. I have it, along with two boosters (though, in realization, I probably should have gotten the follow-up boosters too).
Even so, at some point in the last 14 days (according to the CDC guidelines) I came across someone infected with COVID. Was it at Bike Night? Maybe... there are a LOT of people around during those events. Was it when I was out somewhere? Who knows.
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This S*&^ Sucks
I wasn't officially diagnosed with COVID until today when I stopped into the walk-in at St. Vincent Healthcare on 27th. One thing to note... if you are gonna be IN the clinic, you should give yourself all the defense you can. Wearing a mask might not help much, but any protection is better than nothing... especially when you are sharing a room with a guy with COVID.
Anyhow, this sickness SUCKS. According to the CDC, you will experience mild to severe symptoms from the following list (And my commentary on what I have is mixed in):
- Fever or chills (Oh yeah, I had that. Back and forth)
- Cough (YEP)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (YEP, and I am asthmatic)
- Fatigue (I could hardly stay awake the last few days)
- Muscle or body aches (I've got arthritis, but the level of pain was much worse)
- Headache (Surprisingly, no. Which I am FINE with not having)
- New loss of taste or smell (Nope. Maybe augmented taste on select things)
- Sore throat (Oh yeah. This is the WORST part. Feels like my throat is cut on the inside)
- Congestion or runny nose (Started today after getting the all-too-helpful Mucinex)
- Nausea or vomiting (Thankfully not, as my throat already hurts)
- Diarrhea (Kinda, but nothing worse than eating at Taco Bell)
Honestly, this has been the WORST cold I've ever had. Being unable to sleep more than 2 hours a night... sweating myself into a pool... and shaking from the chills just minutes after that... mixed with this throat sharpness... it all just sucks.
And, fun fact, do you know what the doctors give you if you are a "healthy 31-year-old"? Nothing besides a cough suppressant, which isn't suppressing a thing. Otherwise, I was told to take Tylenol, then ibuprofen alternating to control pain and such.. and it'll pass in time.
So glad our medical systems here say "Ah, you'll be fine! Just take some Tylenol. Here's a $200 bill."
So, With That, See You Next Week
Suffice to say, you won't be hearing from me on the air until next week. Tonight, at Bike Night, Karen is covering for me... as trust me, you don't want this. At all. Enjoy the night, congrats to the winners, and here's hoping COVID doesn't take me down next year just days before the last one again.
