My COVID-19 Story

I have been wanting to share about my fiancé, Will, and I's COVID-19 experience for a while now... and as cases continue to rise and we move into the holidays, I think it is even more important that we share this now. I am hoping to share some 2020 reflections later this month or in January, as well as my hopes for 2021, but I thought this was crucial to share before Christmastime, even if it only reaches a few people. 

On October 29th, a rapid test that Will got came back positive. He got it because he had some mild symptoms - cough, sore throat, runny nose - and just wanted to know. The next day, I went and got a PCR test done so we could have verification with a more accurate test. It was also that day I developed symptoms too - it was a cough, body aches, and fatigue for me - all very cold-like symptoms. So when my PCR test came back negative on November 1st, we were conflicted. We did have symptoms, but we had not come into contact with anyone that had tested positive as far as we knew, and we had heard about false positive rapid tests happening even if it was unlikely.

My cousin, Stephanie, and I during the summer of 2020.

Will wanted to get a PCR test to double-check his rapid test results, so as soon as my test came back negative on the 1st, he went to get one. His results came back on the 3rd... negative. By this point, we both still had lingering coughs but the other symptoms were gone, other than our taste and smell was starting to go. We were confused - two negative tests while experiencing symptoms? Seems unlikely, but so does getting a false positive rapid test.

Nevertheless, we stayed home for two weeks. We were almost back to normal by the next week, other than our taste and smell which still is not back fully for either of us. Last week, I was finally in the clear to donate blood at the Red Cross, who is doing antibody testing on all of their donations right now, and my antibody test came back positive.

We did have COVID-19, despite two negative PCR tests while experiencing symptoms. I have been wanting to share this because it is easy to take a negative test as a "good to go". Our experience just proves even more that we cannot rely solely on testing. If you are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms, stay home. If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive or has symptoms, stay home. Even if you get a test and it comes back negative.

While we had mild symptoms and we are so thankful for that, many do not. So many have lost loved ones who would still be here if it weren't for this virus. COVID-19 is highly contagious - we still have no idea where we contracted it from - and deadly. We need to be, and stay, vigilant. I know these are hard times, so I am sending love to you all. 

Stay Beautiful (and safe and healthy),

Sadie