Things I Bought To Minimize Covid's Wrath

Yes, I’m still talking about Covid, because i’m still THINKING and ANXIETY SPIRALING about Covid! I placed many an Amazon order from my sickbed, and I was really getting loose with my App Store spending, but these things got me through the worst of it, and maybe they’ll help you too.

I already had a thermometer. Until I was fairly sure I had a fever, took my temperature, and it was 86°. I ordered this thermometer right away and it is a VAST improvement. Mainly because it actually works, but also because it’s touchless, easy to use and read, and only cost $20. I couldn’t say ANY of that about my old, lying thermometer.

These are the Covid at-home tests we’re sent for free in Washington. They’re great, I was pissed when I ran out and had to use the USPS ones, and if/when Washington stops sending out free tests each month, I’ll but these. PS: Remember to swab your throat!!

I had to breathe through my mouth for WEEKS, and this saline nasal spray became my savior. Could I breathe normally after using this? No. But did it help? ABSOLUTELY. Plus, because it’s just saline, you can use it often without worrying about any drug interactions. I didn’t take any cold medicine while i had Covid, but I did use a ton of this spray and a boatload of tissues.

I was running low on masks before Covid got me — they were out of my favorites at the Costco Business Center! — So I ordered these from Amazon. They actually fit a bit better than my fave ones, so that was a nice surprise. I like to throw out a mask if I have any doubts about its efficacy (time and location worn, not like, whether it’s a real mask), so it’s good to have a stockpile of affordable, disposable options.

I also got food delivered and via curbside pickup (when I was testing negative right after Paxlovid). Did you know when McDonald’s delivers the fries STAY warm? I was shocked and delighted… and worried about what I may do with this knowledge. I alternated Advil and Tylenol for aches and fevers, and I made a TON of smoothies (the only things that distracted me from Paxlovid Mouth were Ritz Crackers and Smoothies). I tried to do small loads of laundry when I could, so I could stay on top of it and not be overwhelmed by a full laundry basket when I just needed clean underwear.

I hope you don’t get Covid, but if you DO, I hope I may have helped you feel a little less terrible. If YOU figure out a way to ease my Covid anxiety, please share.

Sarah Chrzastowski

This You Need

An Almanac For The 21st Century

http://www.thisyouneed.com
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Wear, Watch, Want #242: The High Temperature Artifice Edition

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I Got Covid (While Wearing a KN95 Mask)