What it's like to be self-quarantined with a suspected COVID-19 case

"My minor inconvenience is a big part of the solution."

Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only health and science newsletter that shamelessly shares cute dog photos.

I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect (November 2020). I am not a doctor, or a scientist, or an expert of any kind. Except for perhaps on this song. I am obsessed with this song.

Today, I’m trying something new. I want to take you inside the life of a normal person who is self-quarantining after possible exposure to the coronavirus. Here’s our Q&A.

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Where are you right now?

At home in NYC. I live in a one-bedroom apartment. 

Why are you self-quarantining?

I've been asked by my employer to quarantine for 14 days. Several of my colleagues have tested positive for COVID-19, and I was told I came in contact with at least one of them. 

What are your symptoms like?

On Saturday, March 7th, I started feeling cold-like symptoms — a runny nose, heavy head and chills. The next day, I woke up with a sore throat that lasted about 3 days. After the soreness of throat went away, I started feeling nasal congestion.

I can't smell or test any type of food. The chills have been consistent throughout. I also have  leg pain that intensifies while I lay down at night, often keeping me up for long hours.

I haven't gotten a high fever, I've mostly stayed between mid-97 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Last weekend, my temperature went up to a little over 99, but came back down the next day.

Overall, it feels like a regular cold. I don't have that "hit by a truck" feeling you get when you have the flu. I still have energy and clarity. 

Have you tried to get a test? If so, what did your doctor tell you? If not, why not?

I called the Department of Health hotline, and I was told that because I haven't had a high fever, they wouldn't send someone to test me. They recommended that I stay home and contact my doctor.

I did a telemedicine appointment with a private physician and was told that coronavirus symptoms have so far focused on the lower respiratory system, and that my symptoms didn't match that. She didn't advise that I try to get tested, and suggested that I stay home and quarantine. 

What are you doing to cope with anxiety and stress right now?

I find that taking action gives me peace. I've been closely following CDC recommendations. I stocked up on provisions without going overboard — I am NOT hoarding toilet paper. I wash my hands profusely and am staying hydrated. 

I am also working from home, so that helps keep my mind occupied and makes me think of things outside of the virus and our current reality.

I bought a puzzle and an embroidery kit from Amazon; my hope is to learn a new skill while I'm hunkering down. I've also used this time at home to read, watch Netflix (sorry not sorry), and organize closets and our pantry.

Achieving things, however minor, makes me feel accomplished and productive. My four-legged buddy has also been a great distraction, though we're still working on his social distancing skills. 

Photo: Brian Gonzalez/Flickr (sadly, not the author’s actual dog!)

I have heard from relatives and friends that watching or reading the news can stress them out. For me, it's the opposite. Learning about the reality we're facing makes me feel more empowered to fight it. 

Lastly, I'm aware that staying home is the best thing I can do for myself and my community; so when I get overwhelmed or frustrated, I remind myself that my minor inconvenience is a big part of the solution. 

I think about the medical professionals — including my own husband — who are putting their lives on the line to help society through this tough time, and the countless other nameless heroes who are doing their best to ensure that we get through this in the best possible way. That humbles me and fills me with gratitude during this uncertain time. 

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If you have any questions, concerns, feedback, or want to share your own perspective, please post a comment below or reach out to melodyaschreiber@gmail.com.

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