Keeley shares powerful Covid symptoms diary

A mum of two from Blackburn who fell ill with Covid-19 three weeks ago is sharing her diary of symptoms to appeal to everyone to take the virus seriously.

30 year old Keeley Gilbert wants her own experiences to encourage others to follow the latest government restrictions to help protect vulnerable people in our local communities.

The Blackburn College University Centre student admits that she didn’t consider herself at risk of catching the virus.

Keeley said:

I never thought it would happen to me, but it has and I was naive.

Some days I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. The headache was different from a normal headache – my head felt like it could burst. I struggled with my breathing and the fatigue was so much that normal tasks at home were a massive challenge.

I hope sharing my story helps people understand how poorly the virus made me, someone who’s young and in good health.

I am concerned for people with other health problems who may catch Coronavirus. I’m recovering now, but they may recover or they may not. If you can’t follow the rules to protect yourself, then please do it for them.

Keeley has experienced the main COVID-19 symptoms of:

• A high, temperature
• A new continuous cough
• A loss or change to sense of smell and taste

Keeley has also suffered with crippling fatigue, severe headaches and shortness of breath – plus other health complications.

Watch the video of Keeley Gilbert’s Covid-19 symptoms diary:

If you think you or someone you know may have symptoms of Coronavirus, visit www.111.nhs.uk to check your symptoms or call 111.

Prof Dominic Harrison, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Public Health, said:

Stories like Keeley’s are powerful in bringing home to us just how present the virus is in our local communities, and how people are suffering with the illness it causes.

Although the NHS recognises three main symptoms of Coronavirus, we are hearing more and more of people testing positive without any symptoms at all or with a variety of symptoms, much like those Keeley has experienced.

The best thing we can all do is stay at home as much as possible, and limit our contact with people we do not live with, to help reduce transmission of the virus.

This is how we will protect our loved ones, and our local NHS. East Lancashire Hospitals Trust currently has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 inpatients in the country, and the number of intensive care beds occupied by Covid-19 patients is expected to rise based on the number of confirmed cases we now have.

Remember:

• Stay at home as much as possible
• Work from home if you can
• Avoid non-essential travel
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces
• Keep a 2m distance from anyone you don’t live with

For more information about the latest national Coronavirus restrictions, visit www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus.