A 21-year-old who previously considered himself “fit and healthy” has told of how Covid-19 has wiped him out, as he urges people not to dismiss the virus as being “mild”.
Johnny Jenkins, from Essex, tested positive for the virus on Friday, just days after completing a 25-kilometre run, EssexLive reports.
The radio producer from Southend posted a video about his experience on Twitter the day after his positive test - in which he said his symptoms were so severe that a simple trip to the bathroom left him wiped out for half an hour.
In the footage, which has since had more than 10,000 views, Mr Jenkins said: "I'm 21, I'm healthy, I'm asthmatic but otherwise fit, in the week before I got Covid I ran 25 kilometres.
"It's just wiped me out. I can't breathe, my body just doesn't work, and I don't know how long it's going to stay like this.
"If I get up and go to the loo or something, it takes me half an hour to recover from it
“My mind is working, but everything I want to do or want to say or anything, I just can't connect it with my body. It just doesn't work.
"Whether you've had one, two or three vaccinations - I've had two - just go and get jabbed. Whether it's your first, second or your booster, it's so important.
"For those of you saying that it's mild and everything, it's not. It's really not. Stay safe."
Mr Jenkins has been inundated with well-wishes and positive comments from his video since sharing at the weekend.
Speaking to EssexLive, he said: "I am feeling better since recording this video. Whilst I’m still wiped out, my breathing has improved and my blood oxygen levels have improved. I have some more energy, but still taking things easy.
"The reaction online has been so heart-warming. I didn’t make the video for sympathy. I made it because I was fed up of seeing anti-vax messaging whilst in bed with Covid.
"I just wanted people to see what it is like. So many kind people have messaged me with support. I really appreciate it."
Mr Jenkins has shared his video as an emergency cabinet meeting is held today with ministers due to discuss the spread of Omicron Covid cases across the UK.
Whitehall sources today said Boris Johnson is considering a ban on indoor socialising from December 27.
The PM, under pressure as the UK is hit by a huge Omicron wave, is heading the emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the crisis.
Insiders claim that the PM is weighing up a return to Step 2 restrictions in England - which would see hospitality venues once again forced to serve customers outside.
Downing Street today refused to rule out the possibility of more restrictions amid fears the NHS could be overwhelmed in the coming weeks.
