36 Spirituality & Mental Health
By Annita Katee
I
contracted COVID-19 in late March. Everything was still new, tests were extremely rare, and mask mandates were not yet in place. In Los Angeles, lockdown had just been announced, and like many others, I had begun self-isolating and was trying to complete a frustratingly intricate 1000-piece puzzle, as well as baking copious amounts of banana bread. It was a Friday afternoon when I started to develop an irritating dry cough. As I continued to work on that arduous jigsaw puzzle, my cough worsened. By Sunday, an additional symptom appeared: a tight chest. It was at this point that I booked a virtual doctor’s appointment. By Monday’s consultation, I now had an ongoing cough, tight chest, muscle aches, and a slight fever. With a rarity of test supplies, I was diagnosed with ‘suspected coronavirus’ and prescribed to stop work, stay inside, and rest for the next week. For the most part, I’m a fit and healthy 26-year-old woman. However, I do have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), which can affect the immune system. The CDC defines CFS as “overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest.” Dr. David Borenstein, MD, says the link between COVID-19 and CFS stems from a lack of
sleep. “Generally, people with CFS don’t sleep well, and we know how important sleep is to our immune system,” he said. “So having chronic fatigue can already reduce your immunity just by a lack of sleep - which can then affect your risk.” Dr. Borenstein also noted that he had found a link between COVID-19 and deficiencies in vitals. “Every patient that comes to me with COVID-19, I look at their previous Vitamin D and Zinc levels, and boom, they’re all low. Every one of them.” Dr. Borenstein advises all to check their vitamin and mineral levels and work closely with a physician to ensure no toxicity. As the days went on, so did my symptoms. Friday, one week on, I felt my best. But just as I was hopping into bed, things turned. My chest began to close up, I was having trouble breathing, and my body shook in pain. I have never been more grateful and appreciative of not only doctors and nurses, but of cleaners, receptionists, and security personnel at the hospital. I applauded the effort they put in at all hours of the day, even during the time of a significantly low support of PPE. I spent the night in the hospital and was given some IV drips and oxygen therapy. But while I’m thankful that my health improved, it meant that I didn’t qualify to get a COVID-19 test. At that time, with such low supplies, they were saved for only those admitted. I was lucky enough to qualify for a drive-thru
