My name is Emily S., and I live in Mesa, AZ. To be honest, we’re still thankful that it’s less than 4000 confirmed cases here and less than 90 deaths as of writing. On the other hand, I am one of those confirmed cases.

I have no idea where I have gotten it, though I’m pretty sure I know how. I’m not sharing my story for pity but I am sharing this as a plea for everyone to STAY HOME. Please stay home. People think this is an older person virus and it won’t affect them or someone they know but guess what, I’m 22 and I got it which means so can YOU. I know it sucks not being able to go see your friends, go to the store like normal, get your favorite food from restaurants or see members of your family. But I PROMISE having this virus sucks more.

It hurts to breathe and I feel like I have run a marathon after just taking a shower. I sleep for about 18-20 hours a day and the other 6-4 hours I am coughing and or attempting to do homework. My grades have suffered because my head hurts so bad I can’t think correctly and my brain is foggy. I can’t taste my favorite foods because of this and I have lost weight not in a healthy way because I’m not eating and I don’t have the energy to eat. I have so many other symptoms and I’m glad that behind everything my family is with me to look after me.

I know that we’re having perfect spring weather as days go by but please stop going in the crowd even if you are 6 feet apart unless you need to get essentials and you go by yourself or with those who you are already living with. It simply is not worth the risk. This is not something to take lightly or joke about because it’s killing people around the world.

Luckily I’m not a severe case but it still is the absolute worst thing I have ever had.