Here is what the family has learned from their journey so far

Wilmington-area resident Ashley M. lives and works in the area and tested positive for COVID-19 in September. We asked her to share her experience so far with the virus and what others can expect from testing, symptoms and navigating home life.

How did you feel when you first went in to get tested?

I honestly thought I had strep throat. I was with a family member who had strep a week prior, so I was convinced that was it. Just a little tickle in my throat and mild fever of 99 degrees or so. I got tested just for peace of mind. I was shocked when my rapid test came back positive. Just minutes later a close friend of ours messaged me to let me know she tested positive and had likely spread it to our family.

What was the test experience like?

I went to an urgent care clinic for testing. It was simple enough — an uncomfortable nose swab. One swab for a rapid test and one for a 2-day result they send to a lab. I asked for the rapid because I have two small children at home and needed more immediate results to help navigate next steps.

How did you get it?

I cannot stress this enough — if our family got it, anyone can get it. We have been THE most careful people we know. I had our second child in March so we take extra precautions to keep her safe and away from others. Since March, six non-family members have visited our home. A couple very close to us stopped by to meet the baby for the first time. They had no symptoms and no idea they were exposed to the virus at their workplace. It only took 30 minutes of us spending time together indoors (though socially distant) to get the virus.

What did you do after testing positive?

Because we were so careful, we only had one family member to notify and warn of exposure. But life at home with a baby and toddler was tough. I wore a mask inside during the day. I tried my best to stay distant, but it was mostly impossible with a toddler and breastfeeding baby. 

The county health department called to ask about others we could have exposed, they share information and let us ask questions. I had many, many questions about navigating life with the two children and there aren’t many answers. They recommend upping the hygiene practices in your home while you are contagious. I change clothes several times a day and wash them. I wash the bed sheets EVERY night. We wipe down all high-touch surfaces with Clorox wipes multiple times a day. Hand washing is a constant. We are spending LOTS of time outdoors where if I am not holding the baby, I am taking my mask off. 

Were you given any medication?

I’ve been asked this a lot. Nope — at the clinic they told me I could take over-the-counter meds for fever and symptoms as needed. I was sent out the door with a, “Good luck.” Thankfully a number of people recover without medical interventions. 

Was the rest of the family tested?

Not until a week later, but I wish they were earlier. I agonized over getting the littles tested because I was afraid the nose swab being painful for them. Turns out at the county health department they can get a very painless nose swab. Everyone tested negative, but we have a hunch my children and husband had it and beat it all in the timeframe before they got tested. Let’s hope for some antibodies.

How did it feel?

I’m still recovering now, so it remains to be seen. But one-week in, I have had a fever, sore throat, fatigue, and eventually I lost taste and smell. It feels a bit strange to take a big, deep breath. The biggest challenge was fear. We’ve all heard and read the stories about perfectly healthy people with no prior medical history who suddenly have to fight this with medical interventions in a hospital. When you test positive the threat becomes even more real. 

So what have you learned from this experience?

Once you test positive, you have to work to remain really positive and learn how to laugh about it. Even doctors don’t know if certain medications you are currently taking can interfere with COVID-19. Your questions about how COVID-19 works and when your symptoms may disappear may go unanswered. 

The weird lady in her car driving with a mask probably has a baby in the backseat she is trying to protect.