Covid: Day 2

 

   On this, my second full day after testing positive for Covid, I'm feeling much better.  It's like having a common cold, with runny nose (I'm going through boxes of tissue), watery eyes, nasal congestion, and a voice sounding like I'm under water.  (The night before last had been extremely uncomfortable.)  Now, no headache, no body aches (other than the usual), no fever, and no sore throat. 

   I smoked some Cannabis sativa around noon, and it inspired me to renew my exercise regimen a bit.  No hard-core stuff – just my routine Tai Chi, stretching, light calisthenics and my recently learned Yoga stretches targeting sciatica pain.  This has made me feel very good, and it also gave me incentive to do some needed housework.  (There is a recent study – but not yet replicated as far as I know – that suggests smoking cannabis, with both its CBD and THC, may lessen the chance and/or severity of "long Covid".) 

   I have a theory of my probable transmission contact for Covid.  Last Thursday, one week ago, I was returning home on an extremely crowded train, and a big young Thai guy in our car was sneezing like I've never seen before.  He was sneezing violently, loudly, uncontrollably, and it seemed like he would sneeze his brains out!  I've never seen a common cold to cause this.  He wore no mask, and he didn't even try to cover his mouth while continually spewing droplets throughout the crowded car.  It was five days after this contact that I had my first symptoms. 

   Because my parents-in-law are old and in such frail health, I'm in isolation on the second floor, in my bedroom and small adjoining room for my Yoga mat, and the open veranda with its shower, toilet, comfortable camp chair and a good fan.  It is Tuk's birthday, but I've only been able to wish her a happy one via phone, since she is avoiding any contact with me and staying on the parents' side of the house.  My life-long hermit nature helps me navigate such isolation.  

-Zenwind. 

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I Caught Covid Again

 

   I suspected what might be happening yesterday, when my throat didn't feel right, like it was going to be sore.  Then, occasional chills, which I compensated for by wrapping a scarf around my neck, not using the A/C, and actually turning off the fan even though it was over 90*F and uncomfortably humid. 

   By evening, I was certain that I was coming down with a common cold (which has always hit me hard after these exact symptoms), or, it could be Covid again.  Sweats, chills, body aches, fever and headache – quite the bummer in an otherwise good week. 

   The night was terrible – classic Dhukka.  Early this morning, I met Tuk in the kitchen and asked her to get the Covid Test kit.  Positive!  Now Tuk must wheel Mother out to greet the monk, I must be isolated up in my room and veranda, and Ree (who often buys groceries, etc., for us) must pick up things for me.  And, I had really wanted to go into the city tonight to see the one-time-only showing of *Amadeus* (1984) at my movie club.  I don't know how long I will be isolated, but I'm going stir-crazy already! 

   I had tested positive for Covid two years ago, but that was only like a very mild cold.  This time it's more like a severe cold.  My temperature is down to normal now, and I think I'll be okay before too long.  

-Zenwind. 

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