A young woman who has battled an undiagnosed illness has warned 'Covid is still out there' after catching the virus despite being double-jabbed.
Last month, Tamar Dutton, 25, of Newcastle, contracted coronavirus within weeks of receiving her second vaccine, ChronicleLive reports.
She suffered from post-viral syndrome for many years after battling an undiagnosed illness after a teenager.
Post-viral syndrome refers to a sense of tiredness and weakness that lingers after a person has fought off a viral infection.
READ MORE:
And when the pandemic hit the trainee social worker took every precaution. Testing positive came as a huge shock to her as well as her friends and family.
Tamar woke up one morning suffering with cold-like symptoms, but knew that something wasn't right.
She went for a PCR test at Gosforth Great Park which confirmed she had the virus, stunning her and her family.
She said: "My mum and dad were speechless. As a family, we’ve been so careful throughout lockdown and still remain vigilant today.
“As a teenager, I was struck by an undiagnosed disease which my body fought but at a cost. For years, I lived with post-viral syndrome which was once uncommon but is now more widely recognised due to long Covid. I know what it’s like to live with an invisible disease.
"Now in my mid-20s, I no longer suffer from post-viral syndrome but living with such a serious condition made me highly aware of Covid. From day one we've been cautious."
Tamar, who lives with mum Cathy and dad Paul, went into isolation which she says drained her both physically and mentally.
"Initially, I felt very emotional," she said.
"I was consumed with worry about my friends, my partner and my parents. I couldn’t help but feel guilty.
"I'd done everything I could and I still caught the virus. Everyone was shocked. It really sunk in how serious Covid still is.
“Then, chronic fatigue hit. All I could do was sleep for two weeks. When I was awake I was floored by flu-like symptoms. It was exhausting and lonely.
"I self-isolated to protect my parents; they were double jabbed but we didn’t want to take the risk.
“It took a mental as well as a physical toll on me. I felt frustrated, guilty and it brought up some old anxieties which is never a pleasant experience. I’m glad to have had support from my family."
Weeks later, Tamar is still feeling the effects of contracting Covid. However, she is grateful to have been double jabbed.
She is now urging people to get fully vaccinated to not just protect themselves, but those around them.
Tamar said: "Today, I still don’t feel 100%. Some days fatigue just hits me and I find it hard to concentrate.
"Studying virtually with Lancaster University to become a social worker, means I’m able to go at my own pace. If need be, I take a lunchtime nap or listen to lectures in bed. Slowly things are getting better.
"For me, it is more important than ever to keep protecting each other. The vaccine is the difference between life and death not only for you but everyone around you.
"Covid is still out there. We all need to remain cautious and be kind.
"If you can, please get both doses. It's not painful or scary, in fact, it's over in a few seconds.
"Please remember, it’s ok to have questions. Speak to your GP as well as friends and family who have already had it to inform your decision.
"I am extremely thankful for the vaccine. As someone who has lived with an invisible illness without a cure, I feel fortunate I could do my bit to fight Covid."
Tamar shared her story via the #BeatCovidNE campaign, to highlight the benefits of getting both doses of the vaccine. For more information and the latest advice visit www.beatcovidne.co.uk
