Heather Valentine, 24, is not exactly sure who may have picked it up and told CNN Tuesday that she was reluctant even to accept that she had symptoms.
Valentine was exhausted a week ago after her third daily shift at the consecutive hospital in Houston, she said, but didn’t think much about it until her body ached, a fever and a small cough arose.
“It might have required intubation if I had waited a couple more days,” said Valentine, “which is crazy to hear as an ICU nurse.”
Regardless of how young or how healthy someone thinks they are, Valentine said it’s important to be careful.
As a front-line worker, it has been difficult, Valentine said. She and her colleagues are getting tired, but are doing everything they can to make sure that patients are cared for.
The way to fight the coronavirus, Valentine said, is to respect each other and understand that while someone has no symptoms, there is still no guarantee that they will not.
“If you have any kind of symptoms, stay home, get a checkup, don’t wait until you can’t breathe for help,” he said.
Valentine is still in the hospital, but said she is much better than the day she was admitted.
“You never think it’s going to happen to you, but I’m a perfect example,” he said. “Take every precaution, wear a mask, don’t go outside if you don’t have to, it’s not worth it.”
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