22-year-old woman shares her experience with Covid-19 to help alleviate anxiety for others

A 22-year-old woman has shared her experience with Covid-19 to help alleviate anxiety for others.

The coronavirus pandemic has escalated considerably in the past week and across the world, restrictions have been put in place to help halt the spread of Covid-19. It's a stressful time for everyone as we struggle to adjust to this new type of normal taking into account social distancing, self-isolation and working remotely. However, there is information and reassurance available which will help us navigate this new way of life including real-life accounts from people who have come into contact with the virus. Bjonda Haliti is a 22-year-old based in California and she recently tested positive for Covid-19. Initially, she wasn't sure about sharing her experience but decided it was important to help ease the stress for those suffering from anxiety and also to reach out to people in her age group.

I’m 22 years old and I tested positive for COVID-19.

I’ve been debating on posting, but I want to share my experience especially with those around my age to help bring awareness, and to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have due to the pandemic. — Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020

In a Twitter thread, Bjonda said:

"I’ve been debating on posting, but I want to share my experience especially with those around my age to help bring awareness, and to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have due to the pandemic".

Bjonda has shared a Twitter thread where she goes through her experience day by day, speaking of how she felt on day one right up until day ten when she went for a retest.

Day 1: It started with a mild DRY cough and a slightly sore throat. I was very tired that night.

— Bjonda Haliti (@baeonda) March 18, 2020

She also spoke of self-isolation and urged those with questions to get in touch. Bojonda is now feeling well and says that she believes she came into contact with the virus on a night out at the beginning of March. This is why she has emphasised the importance of social-distancing, staying home and avoiding close contact with other people. It's important to note that Bjonda was told that ibuprofen can worsen symptoms but this is not true. This misinformation was circulated earlier in the week which is why Bjonda mentions it but several health professionals have dismissed these claims.

URGENT: Covid-19. A ‘fake news’ circular is going around social media, citing a ‘specialist’ advising people not to use non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs like ibuprofen & difene as it exacerbates the virus. A senior HSE doctor says it’s a lie & evil. Do not recirculate it.

— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) March 15, 2020