Smell the Roses While You Can: My Experience with COVID-19

The coronavirus is upon us: a virus that has proven to be beyond harmful and quite deadly to say the least. I have never experienced such panic, fear, and hysteria brought about by a single invader – a biological pathogen—a microorganism—something that we cannot even see. 

People who are infected with the virus develop the COVID-19 disease, a term that was mostly far-fetched to me, as I could only relate based on what I read online or saw in the media. That was, until, it hit close it home. Too close to comfort if I may. Two weeks ago, I started to develop symptoms of the dreaded COVID-19. 

It all started with a fever, something that was by no means foreign to me. I remember touching my neck periodically to gauge this sudden change in temperature. But I also kept telling myself that it was all in my head: my body temperature was fine, and I was just being excessively paranoid. That was until the next morning when I woke up.

There was no denying it – my body was hot from my head to my toes. I felt like I was on fire in the most literal sense. I remember describing to someone what the heat felt like. It felt like a blow dryer was intermittently blowing hot air on me. All this time I did not have a thermometer to measure my temperature, but I knew that something was wrong.

That was on a Friday morning. What do I do now? I tried to schedule a medical appointment to get tested for the virus, but I was told that I had to be screened by a tele-doctor first; they were only testing the most severe patients. This was the first time I’ve ever had a telemedicine evaluation; I tend to prefer face-face interactions, but there’s a first for everything, right? The process was like connecting via FaceTime where I used my phone to initiate a video chat.

After pouring out my heart and soul and explaining the symptoms I was experiencing, the doctor calmly explained that I do not meet the criteria for testing. He recommended extra-strength Tylenol to reduce the fever, and the usual social distancing guideline. 

I was not happy at all. I was offered no treatment or a viable course or action. I asked him what to do if my condition worsens, and he told me that I would just have to go to the emergency room since there is no “in between.” What?!

People seek medical care to address a condition before it gets too late. His line of reasoning defied the whole premise of medicine in itself. Why should I have to wait until it is too late? The next day, I didn’t feel much better but the fever was not as high. I no longer felt like I was being set on fire. 

By the Sunday of that same week, I’ve experienced a range of symptoms. I was now having body chills, aches, and a sore throat. I drove myself to the urgent care; it was time to get a second opinion. They took my vitals and noted that my temperature was normal since it was 99.2°F.

I was not convinced since my understanding of a “normal” body temperature was 98.7°F, and anything above is enough to drive me into hysteria. I was told that if my temperature was above 100, in the 104 range, that would have been cause for alarm. As with the telemedicine evaluation, I was refused testing for COVID-19, although I was experiencing many of the symptoms. 

The tests as I understood, were reserved for people with respiratory problems or other comorbidities. Again, I was given the same spiel: take pain killers, practice social distancing, etc., etc., etc.

A week later I noticed that I was unable to do something that I had taken for granted my whole  life. That is, the ability to smell. Now my nose is starting to play tricks on me. I initially tested my smelling capability with some Bath & Body mists that I have, followed by their beautifully scented candles.

I was unable to smell a darn thing. Holy guacamole! Say what now? Good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, I can’t smell a damn thing. The medical terminology for a loss of smell is anosmia. This, according to some articles that I’ve read is typically resolved in 4 weeks, but can be permanent in a small number of cases. 

This virus I tell you is like no other. I’ve had the flu and the cold numerous times, but I have never lost my ability to smell. According to one article, the virus is thought to attack and damage cells that are responsible for smelling (one mode of action). To think that I’ll never be able to smell the roses again is heartbreaking.

But I should be more grateful, right? Indeed, I am beyond grateful. Grateful for this gift called life; not everyone who has encountered COVID are here to write about it. And living in NY, the now epicenter of this global pandemic, one thing that this experience has thought me is to smell those roses while I can, every single day, both literally and figuratively. 

For everyone who have lost a friend or loved one, my prayers are with you all. Who knew that this was what 2020 had in store? We can’t stop pushing, we can’t stop doing, and we can’t stop fighting. 

For those who reached out to check on me, much love and gratitude.