There have been hundreds of thousands of cases of the dreaded coronavirus globally, and although that feels like a scary number (which is certain to rise), relatively only a small proportion of people have actually experienced it so far.

But if you’re wondering what getting coronavirus is really like, you might want to take a look at this Twitter thread by a 22-year-old woman in America who has been struck down by the contagious COVID-19 bug recently.

It’s worth bearing in mind that coronavirus can manifest itself differently in different people – some may get severe symptoms, while others can be completely asymptotic. But in the interests of raising awareness, and “to relieve any stress/anxiety some may have” about the pandemic, California-based Bjonda Haliti decided to share what she experienced.

The symptoms began, explained Bjonda, just like you’ve heard on the news. With a “dry cough”. Which, just in case you weren’t sure, the NHS describes as “tickly and doesn’t produce any phlegm (thick mucus)”.

The “mild” dry cough came accompanied by a “slightly sore throat”, as well as some tiredness, the young woman shared. The following day it progressed to a headache and sore eyes, then a fever, and eventually – on day four – shortness of breath.

Bjonda was sick for around 10 days in total, at which point she received the test results that showed she did have coronavirus. She self-isolated throughout, and continues to do so, but says she feels “great and healthy” now.

Read the whole thread and all the details of Bjonda’s coronavirus case below:

While some people might get far more serious symptoms than Bjonda did, her reassurance that the virus was only around a ‘4 out of 10’ in terms of pain will be a comfort to many.

But the most important thing remains to follow the advice of the government during this pandemic time; if you or someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms (a cough, a fever) isolate for 14 days. If you don’t have symptoms, avoid going out as much as possible and exercise social distancing. If you’re in a vulnerable group (over the age of 70, younger people with chronic illness, pregnant women) definitely avoid going out as much as possible.

The sooner we all start pulling together like this, the sooner it will pass.

The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it’s possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation.

Via Cosmopolitan UK