Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 62,397,935 reported cases of COVID amongst Americans, with over 2 million being within our community in LA County. The experiences people have had with this highly contagious virus vary. While some had little to no symptoms when struck by the virus, a large group reported much more severe symptoms. Here are just a few of the experiences people have had with covid-19:

“I got covid the week before my 16th birthday. My sister was the first to show symptoms and mine began shortly after hers. As the days went on my symptoms continued to worsen. I had a cough, fever, headache, body aches, shortness of breath, and eventually lost my sense of taste and smell. I was quarantined in my room for all 10 days and struggled to keep up with my missing school work due to the lack of energy I had which created stress. My experience was both physically and emotionally draining but I am grateful to have fully recovered”. – Citlaly Gonzalez, 16

“It was bad. I couldn’t stop coughing, I lost body strength, and I had fevers and chills. My mom gave me caldo everyday and I had to drink tea that my sister and my mom would make up to help me recover. The only good thing from it was I had lost a couple of pounds”. – Gabby Velasquez, 16

“Literally not more than a normal cold”. – Anonymous, 16

“For me I had it pretty easy, only got mild symptoms. The worst part was quarantining in my room (cause I was the only one in my family who got it). It got really boring and it was stressful watching school work get piled up”. – Abby LeCheminant, 16

“Hell, I hated every second of it. Cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and hot flashes. I tested negative a couple days ago but still have a cough, the doctor said to wait it out”. – Anonymous, 18

“It wasn’t bad but I had a cough, fever, and headache”. – Anonymous, 13

Covid-19 takes a toll on both physical and emotional health and it’s important to recognize the effects it has on individuals. What was an easy and stress free experience for one may have been a difficult and emotional time for another. Be mindful of those around you and stay safe!