from another apc thread:
First hand account from a pilot who contracted the Coronavirus and is under the age of 50. They have removed his name to protect his identity.
But said it was ok to share his experience:
Today I was diagnosed with having a moderate case of the COVID virus. I am not sharing this for any sympathy or get wells, but to share my firsthand experience of what this is like so that those who keep spreading false information and downplaying the severity of this virus can be better informed.
Due to government protocols that essentially make only the most severe cases allowed to be tested, I was only tested for flu and other infections to rule those out. Moderate cases like mine, or less, are not allowed to be tested and thus do not get added to the numbers of officially diagnosed.
I had to wait most of the day to be given a slot to see a doctor. And only then was I given one because my respiratory distress was progressing. Speaking of symptoms. I am lucky that I have not gotten a bad fever yet, but I have had significant breathing issues. I am not an at risk patient with pre-existing conditions. In fact, I am in good shape (I play full soccer games multiple times a week) and I am not overweight.
Yet, these symptoms even in a moderate case are brutal. I have never felt anything like this in my life. Just walking and talking was leaving me gasping for air. When I would cough I was left so breathless that I even passed out a couple times after gasping for air. It took multiple medicines to only make my breathing feel labored. I have also been told that it will very likely be many months until my lung damage heals.
All of this and there are still not many cases in my area. If the outbreak had gone uncontained like it did in parts of Italy and I would be unable to see a doctor I would hate to imagine what would have happened. During my 2 hours at the ER I heard 2 Code Blue's in the COVID ward.
So for those that keep spreading false information and propaganda just stop. For those bemoaning this as a just a glorified flu just stop. This is not fun for anyone, our industry's economic health cratering is not fun, but you know what is not fun, seeing comments and posts saying that I just have a "bad flu".