A young Covid survivor who spent a month in coma has spoken out on how the virus 'ruined her life'. In July of 2021 Shona Abel, 23, contracted the virus and she said that initially her bout of illness felt "pretty normal".
However, her Covid symptoms progressively worse and before long Shona, who lives in Radford, found herself admitted to Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) on July 15. Three days later Shona was put into a coma which she wouldn't wake up from for more than a month.
While Shona's life is no longer under immediate threat, the long-term effects of the virus have completely changed her day-to-day life. She is now permanently disabled as a result of the infection and cannot walk long distances.
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She says she was "completely normal" before she was taken ill, but now also struggles with asthma and is under a lot of medication. An extended time in hospital during a time when Covid cases and hospital admissions were at high levels was also a difficult ordeal.
She now hopes that her story will help her find other young Covid survivors who had to go through similar hardships. Recalling her experiences, Shona said: "In 2021 in July I got Covid. it was pretty normal, I was okay. But it got progressively worse and then I ended up in hospital with it.
"Three days later I was put into a coma, which is pretty scary for a 22-year-old. I was transferred from Nottingham to Northampton because there was no space.
"It was just a very traumatic experience. It's hard to find people like me, I guess, in that age range, so I was just thinking if I get my story out I might actually find some people.
"I'm still recovering from it. I was in a coma from the 18th of July until around the 21st of August I think. I was in for a long time in a place I didn't know and it was quite scary.
"I can't walk long distance, I'm also an asthmatic. I was completely normal before all this and now I'm permanently disabled from it and I can't breathe properly and I'm under a lot of medication.
"Basically Covid ruined my life. I was just one of the unlucky ones I guess. My family were really upset but family were there and there's nothing really that they could do obviously with Covid restrictions. I think after seeing my mum after around two months, after being in hospital and away from everybody, it was really nice to see her.
"It took her like six hours to get to me because she doesn't drive so it was kind of worth the pain just to see my mum again."
Amid the current levels of flu, Covid-19 and scarlet fever, the UK Health Secretary Agency (UKHSA) has issued advice on to the public ahead of children and young people going back to school. Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the (UKHSA), said: "Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if you do have to go out, wear a face covering.
"When unwell don’t visit healthcare settings or visit vulnerable people unless urgent. Remember that flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus.
"We have seen good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low. Flu can be very unpleasant and in some cases can lead to more serious illness. Getting your child vaccinated protects them and others they come into contact with, and it’s still not too late."
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