Covid-19: How it feels to recover from the virus

  • Anglia

  • Watch a video report from ITV Anglia's Sarah Cooper

Coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 30,000 people in the UK, but the efforts of the NHS have also seen thousands recover.

The most famous case in the country is Boris Johnson, who spent several days in intensive care before being discharged.

We have compiled three stories from the Anglia region of people - not as famous as the Prime Minister - but who would have shared his anxiety and fear upon hearing their diagnosis.

Christine Leggett, Northampton

A grandmother of six, Christine Leggett needed a ventilator to help her survive Covid-19.

The 71-year-old was admitted to Northampton General Hospital with a temperature and low oxygen.

She said: "When we arrived I was taken through to a large room that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Everyone dressed in all the protective clothing and plastic sheeting separated different areas.

"A chest x-ray was taken and I was told that I had pneumonia on both lungs and it was highly likely that it was coronavirus. After a few more tests I was taken to a ward and put on oxygen”.

Christine is now recovering back at home Credit: ITV Anglia

As her condition worsened, Christine was taken to an intensive care unit where she was placed on a ventilator.

After four days of critical care she was discharged onto a normal ward, and was eventually allowed home after a fortnight in hospital.

“When I first came home I felt tired and didn't have a lot of energy, but after a couple of days I started walking a few laps round the garden, increasing the distance every day," she said.

"I feel absolutely fine now and everyone says how well I look.

“The care that I received while in hospital was amazing. Everyone was treated with such kindness and I know they saved my life. No one should be worried about going into hospital."

Christine's grandchildren on their marathon pogo stick challenge Credit: ITV Anglia

Christine's recovery has inspired a fundraising effort from her son Jonny Leggett, daughter-in-law Hayley and three grandchildren Freddie, Summer and Minnie.

The family have pogo-ed 2.6km in laps around their garden, raising over £1,300 for the NHS.

Jonny said: "Freddie, Summer and Minnie all took turns doing the 8.5m width of the garden on the pogo stick. We completed the challenge in just over two days on one of the hottest weekends.

"By the end of it they had blisters and bruising but they wanted to keep going for their nanny and the NHS.

“Northampton General Hospital saved my mum’s life. No ifs or buts. We are eternally grateful”.

Read more: Essex dad who spent 19 days in coma returns home after recovering from Covid-19

Casey Davies, Bury St Edmunds

Casey has praised the NHS staff who cared for her Credit: Casey Davies

Teenagers are far less likely to develop serious symptoms if they catch coronavirus, but there are exceptions.

Aged 18, Casey Davies was one of those. She's grateful to the staff who held her hand when her family couldn't.

"They're working their socks off, literally, buzzers going off every two minutes," she said.

"Just seeing them with the patients when the families can't be there, it's just phenomenal, it's amazing."

Casey called the work of doctors and nurses Credit: ITV Anglia

Read more: Luton and Dunstable Hospital nurse discharged after three weeks in ICU with Covid-19

Sam Jude, King's Lynn

Sam Jude's experience was similar to the majority of those who have tested positive for coronavirus.

He did not need to be admitted to hospital, but was forced to self-isolate at home with his family; nevertheless he said he had "never been this poorly before".

A nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Sam was able to access one of the on-site swab tests when he developed symptoms.

Sam Jude, a nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, spent two weeks at home after testing positive for coronavirus Credit: Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The first week of his self-isolation brought the worst symptoms, with severe shortness of breath, chest pain, and a loss of taste and smell.

Sam said: "One night I really struggled. It got so bad I thought I was going to need an ambulance.

"My wife made me some honey, lemon and ginger tea and I took some steam inhalation and used vapour rub. My family and I prayed all night and I got through it."

Read more: Queen Elizabeth Hospital discharge 200th patient treated for coronavirus

Sam gradually improved through his second week of isolation, able to carry out increasingly strenuous activities.

By the end of the fortnight, Sam and his wife - also a nurse - were able to rejoin the NHS frontline.

He said: "I know that I needed to completely recover so that I could get back to my shifts.

"My wife, family in India, friends in the UK and especially my Church were a huge support to me. They were constantly praying and sending me positivity. I am really grateful for everyone around me.”

Coronavirus: everything you need to know