What it’s really like to have coronavirus: Australian, 29, who initially thought virus was ‘no worse than a cold’ reveals how things dramatically changed eight days after diagnosis
- Bridget Wilkins was contracted COVID-19 after flying from London to Brisbane
- The 29-year-old initially said the symptoms were no worse than a cold
- Ms Wilkins said days eight to 10 were the worst and she felt like she was aged 80
- She has now recovered from COVID-19 and wants public to know it will be ‘okay’
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
An Australian struck down with COVID-19 who originally thought it was ‘no worse than a cold’ has revealed she felt like she was 80 years old as the virus took hold.
Bridget Wilkins, 29, was diagnosed with coronavirus in early March after flying from London to Brisbane, via Singapore, for a wedding.
Ms Wilkins – who does not know where she contracted the illness – originally said the ‘common symptoms’ were no worse than a headache or sore throat and she initially thought she was simply jetlagged.
But speaking about to ABC’s 7.30 after recovering from the virus, Ms Wilkins said said she faced her biggest battle between days eight and 10.
Bridget Wilkins, 29, was diagnosed with coronavirus in early March after flying from London to Brisbane , via Singapore , for a wedding
‘I felt like I was 80 years old. I thought of my grandmother at that moment,’ Ms Wilkins said.
‘I recognised how hard it may be for her generally but also if she was to have a condition like coronavirus.’
Ms Wilkins was tested for COVID-19 after landing in Australia. The 29-year-old thought her doctors were ‘being ridiculous’ after they suggested she could have contracted the illness.
‘It was quite scary when I got that phone call. The first question I asked the doctor on the phone was, ”am I going to die?”’ she recalled.
‘It sounds a bit dramatic but I didn’t really know what coronavirus was at that point.’
As one of the earliest cases of coronavirus in Australia, Ms Wilkins was treated in hospital, where she regularly updated her family and friends on Instagram story.
‘It felt like a bit of a odd to be honest. We had to walk into hospital feeling fairly healthy. Yet everyone is in hazmat suits,’ she said.
Ms Wilkins – who does not know where she contracted the illness – originally said the ‘common symptoms’ were no worse than a headache or sore throat and she initially thought she was simply jetlagged
Speaking about to ABC’s 7.30 after recovering from the virus, Ms Wilkins said said she faced her biggest battle between days eight and 10
As one of the earliest cases of coronavirus in Australia, Ms Wilkins was treated in hospital, where she regularly updated her family and friends on Instagram story
Ms Wilkins said she experienced mild symptoms over the first four to six days before her condition began to deteriorate.
‘I had things you would have normally – sore throat, headache, a bit of a chesty cough. But nothing too serious,’ she said.
Ms Wilkins, who has been cleared by health authorities, is now at home with her mum Rose.
‘I want the public to know it will be okay,’ she said.
‘If we fight about toilet paper, it probably won’t be as okay.
‘This is going to take time and people will still get coronavirus… We can’t forget about those people just because they weren’t the first 20 patients in the news.’
There are more than 700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and six people have died.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has closed the borders to non-residents from 9pm on Friday in a desperate attempt to stop the outbreak.
Outdoor events of more than 500 people have been banned, while indoor gatherings must be less than 100 people.
There are more than 700 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and six people have died