North-east woman Lindsay Bruce thought she was unlucky when she caught Covid for the second time in August last year.
But, when she tested positive for the third time last week, she joined the growing group of people becoming reinfected with the virus.
Having first caught the virus at the start of the pandemic in April 2020, Lindsay is now in isolation for the third time, and has experienced the broad range of symptoms from the different strains.
The mum-of-two explains: “The first time I got the virus, I had blisters in my mouth and my hand swelled up. It’s still swollen from back then. I’ve since been diagnosed with rheumatoid problems.
“My temperature was sky high, I’d lost my sense of taste and smell and I was short of breath. It really just felt like flu.
“The second time, in August last year, I’d been vaccinated. I was very tired and achy and had a cough.
“This time doesn’t feel like the other two at all. I’m scunnered we’ve got it again. I’ve got a really bad cold and a heavy headache. I’m so tired, it’s a struggle to keep my eyes open.
“My husband has it for the first time just now and he’s had massive temperatures and a fever.”
Dealing with the emotions
As well as the physical side effects of having Covid three times, self-isolation has also been emotionally draining for Lindsay and her family at times.
She continues: “For me, the biggest hurdle this time has been I felt we were just getting back to normal. It reminds you Covid is still very much a thing.
“Psyching myself up for normality and being put back to square one again has been the biggest mental hurdle.
“Equally, when your kids get it first, you’re in mum mode. You just have to get on with it.
“My 16-year-old son has been quite poorly since he caught it in August and he tested positive again today.
“From having it in August, he’s been breathless ever since. He’s had lots of tests and there’s no explanation for it.
“He’s young and fit, but he really struggles. He hasn’t been able to do P.E. since August because of it. So, there’s been anxiety about how that’s going to affect him this time.”
‘Don’t watch Contagion’
The physical and mental side effects of catching Covid more than once are many. Thankfully Lindsay is fully vaccinated and is making the best of things from within self-isolation.
So, if you’ve recently caught Covid for the first time, or are back in isolation for the second or third time, what is Lindsay’s advice?
“You might feel like you’re quite able to get back to normal, but rest more than you think you need to. You’ll be tired and brain fog is real.
“Drink plenty and make sure you’re taking paracetamol regularly. And don’t watch Contagion. That’s definitely something you don’t want to do!”
- We’d love to hear about your journey with Covid. Contact us healthandwellbeing@thecourier.co.uk
