I welcomed 2022 with the bug!
My sister encrouraged me to take the COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test because I had colds symptoms on and off for more than five days. (Usually, If I get sick like that, I am fine after two days). Result in the antigen test was positive.
We drove back to the University of Manitoba COVID-19 Testing Clinic for a confirmatory PCR test. But since the province placed limited access to PCR test because of extensive backlog at that time, I was told instead to go home and isolate.
Emerging cases have shown that Omicron affects the upper respiratory tract more than the lungs which causes milder symptoms as compared to the previous variants.
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SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms I had were mild– similar to that of regular colds or mild flu. It all started with a really bad sore throat –with my voice sounding hoarse —waking up two days later having less energy (fatigue), feeling feverish inside, with body pain, dry throat, dry cough, headache and watery eyes. I did not have a loss of taste or smell, no shortage of breath or difficulty breathing and no high fever.
Isolation in a small home during winter is a challenge especially during week of winter break followed by week of remote learning. Good thing that my husband and two kids were not hit by the virus. My 77-year old mother unfortunately got the virus from me and tested positive too. She had same mild symptoms plus runny nose, chills, fever and severe joints pain.
Both of us are fully vaccinated and had our booster shots two weeks before we got infected.
Comparing our condition with some friends who got COVID-19 the same time with us, we all exhibited same mild to moderate illness with the worst symptoms lasting four to ten days – which were manageable at home. I am a big fan to traditional home remedy. I drink a lot of ginger tea with lemon and honey, did a couple of salt gargling and the good old salt therapy.
After binge watching about 30 episodes of Criminal Minds, a few food delivery through Skip the dishes and two positive test results, I was cleared of the virus and tested negative using Rapid Antigen 12 days after the first onset of symptoms.
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The latest surge of COVID-19 infections around the world, in our own community or household prove how highly contagious this new variant is.
No matter how we try to protect our selves, given its high transmissibility, it ends up reaching many homes. If it hits you, no point to be ashamed, guilty or anxious. Being proactive is the right approach. I suggest loading up your pantry with essential food items like soup. Over-the-counter fever and pain reliever and cough syrup should be handy just in case you need them. Rest is essential but a little movement will not hurt.
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Judging by the symptoms I had, looks like it was Omicron that hit us because of the mild symptoms I experienced (thankfully) although there was no official medical confirmation My case is one of those not reflected in the provincial case tally board. In Manitoba, currently most symptomatic people who tested positive using self-administered home kit were not officially reported to the health system. Hence, there is no monitoring of individual conditions or progress and no guidance on isolation. I took the initiative of reporting my case to our family doctor though.
It is important to seek medical help if you or your family members have underlying health conditions or if the symptoms are severe.
Health Links – Info Santé, is also available to all Manitobans, operating 24/7 with a team of registered nurses answering inquiries 204-788-8200 • 1-888-315-9257.
For information on where to get FREE COVID-19 test kits or where to go for PCR Test, please click:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.html
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