This Is How Long COVID Has Impacted My Life

I've had confirmed cases of COVID-19 three times, and I'm pretty sure I've had it a fourth as well. I have three rounds of shots in me and am going to get a fourth this next week. Each time I've had, or rather a test told me I had COVID, it's been similar for me starting off with a sore throat and a couple of times not being much worse than that other than fatigue.

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I've had it better than some friends who have been hospitalized and really not done well with getting sick from it. This isn't me complaining, just stating what I've experienced since having COVID.

Long COVID is symptoms that develop or continue to hang on after you've initially been sick. For me, there have been a couple.

I would say for about two months I was fatigued, and I still don't even know that is totally done, it's just less bad than it was. By fatigued I mean all day long feeling like I needed to be back in bed.

I also continue to have a loss of taste, which sucks because I like to eat and like flavors. As a chubby guy, one would think this is a good thing but in reality, it just leaves one not feeling satisfied from meals. I find myself adding way more salt or seasonings to certain meals to get some kind of flavor, especially if the base meal is kind of bland. It's definitely changed my taste buds, or at least deadened them.

As I've known people who faired far worse with their COVID experiences, likewise I know a couple of people with Long COVID in worse shape than me too. If you're suffering from Long COVID, how is it affecting you?

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

Filed Under: Covid-19, health, Long COVID, sick

Categories: Featured, Health, Science