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Having Covid Twice – The Differences

positive lateral flow

I’ve written a post this week all about how I succumbed to Covid for a second time. The first time was this year in January. I tested positive on lateral flow on 2nd January and a positive PCR followed. I wrote about this experience previously. I wasn’t really under any illusions that I may not get Covid again. I’ve had three vaccinations now; my booster right at the start of December but with the new Omicron variant, I was seeing people getting Covid again or picking it up for the first time.

I mentioned in the previous post how I had a gut feeling I was going to get Covid again. I just kind of knew it. I have definitely been a person to continue living my life; enjoyed lots of hugs and plenty of nights out with friends. I knew I probably took more risks than others and I knew I would probably get me. I was right. I tested positive again just before Christmas this year. I didn’t feel like I “deserved it” as such but there was definitely some guilt for bringing it home over Christmas and potentially giving it to family and friends.

I don’t know if I have had Omicron. I was never told. I suspect it from some of the things about how the virus behaves regarding lateral flows and my symptoms but I will never know for sure.

I thought it would be interesting to write up some of the differences I have seen in getting Covid twice. For you and for my own reference for future. Some how I suspect this isn’t the last time I will pick it up!

I also have to stress in this post. I am a sample size of one. What has happened to me, may certainly not happen to you. We are all so unique as human beings and this virus is so variable between us all. I’m also not a medical professional and this has been written purely on my experience.

The Differences Between Having Covid Twice

There have been some stark differences in my two experiences of Covid. As mentioned, I don’t know what variants I have had but of course I suspect they were different.

Here is what I noticed was different:

Lateral Flows – the first time I got Covid I went to bed with a sore throat, woke the next morning with a temperature and immediately had a very strong positive on a lateral flow. The second time I went to bed with a sore throat and woke with a negative lateral flow. It was a further 24 hours until I had a positive result. This resulted in me going out when I was probably positive, which I regret. The learning point from this is test ideally within the hour before you see anyone. I suspect if I’d tested in the evening I’d have had a faint positive.

Temperature – the first time I had Covid I had a temperature and therefore knew I had it, as I couldn’t remember having a temperature in my adult life! The second time this never happened.

high temperature with Covid

Taste and Smell – I lost my taste and smell the first time I had Covid around day 5. I was very lucky it came back within a week. The second time, I haven’t and have read this could mean Omicron. However, there is still so much for us to learn.

Fatigue – fatigue featured quite heavily the first time I had Covid. I would sleep 8 hours and wake feeling like I had not been asleep. It was horrible. This lasted a good 10 days. The second time, this was not a symptom for me.

Other Symptoms – Covid was very weird the first time. My most horrible symptoms were a blinding headache that lasted for day 1 and later and some point later it felt like a baby elephant was sat on my chest. Quite unpleasant. I also felt exhausted, virally and had skin tingling sensations for the full 10 days. The second time it was one of the mildest colds I have had, sore throat, bit of a cough and a runny nose. I barely took paracetamol. I felt better within 3-4 days.

Appetite – I lost my appetite for a good 2 weeks when I contracted Covid the first time. This time I ate like a horse all the way through, only weirdly going off yoghurt.

Similarities with Covid Twice

There were a couple of similarities but mainly I felt mental health ones:

Mentally – both times with Covid my head felt “mashed”. Such a scientific word! I felt tearful, anxious and almost insane. My overthinking got worse. I would worry about what I was saying to people so much more. Possibly the virus or way too much thinking time being isolated. There second time I went into town when unknowingly was positive – I felt anxious, paranoid and almost scared. It was actually one of my worst symptoms both times. Luckily my husband and some of my friends are pretty used to me. That I feel thankful for!!

A Feeling – there is just a weird feeling when you have Covid. Something I have noticed both times. It fits in with the point above but it’s an unwell feeling I have never experienced until having it both times. It’s hard to explain but some of you may get it.

Getting Back to Exercise – both times when fully recovered I could get back to my exercise with no issues. The first time this was a 2 week break. The second time a week. This I am very thankful for.

I’m hoping my second experience will shape the future experience for me and any others of you in future. It was certainly not a bad cold and I found the isolation more of a struggle than the illness itself.

I hope you have found this post interesting and if you are reading this with Covid, good luck and a speedy recovery too.

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2 Comments

  1. December 29, 2021 / 2:58 pm

    This was interesting to read. I am glad you are feeling better now. x

    • RunJumpScrap
      Author
      January 12, 2022 / 8:33 pm

      Thanks so much x