As the country begins to open up and we move towards something more recognisable as 'normality', Heather Campbell has offered a stark reminder that COVID-19 is still with us.
And the 23-year-old has warned that although people may survive the virus, it can leave you with long-term health issues.
Heather, from Motherwell, was a fit and healthy staff nurse at Wishaw General, with no underlying health issues - but last November, just months after graduating and starting her dream job, she took unwell with COVID-19.
She had symptoms for three weeks and initially tested negative twice before receiving a positive PCR result.
Sharing her story, Heather said: “I was fairly unwell at home for around three weeks and my symptoms took a long time to settle.
"I was treated with oral antibiotics and a steroid inhaler for a lower respiratory tract infection in December.
“In January I attended A&E with increasing chest pain, but all my tests came back normal. I have since been referred for a 24-hour heart monitor, chest X-ray, and numerous blood tests which have also come back as normal.
"Physical activity including walking at a slow pace aggravates symptoms and can leave me with joint and muscle pains and in bed for days afterward.
“Some days I don't want to get out of bed and even taking a shower and washing my hair can cause heart palpitations.
“I attempted a phased return in April 2021, but, despite being on reduced duties and hours, the demands of the job paired with my ongoing symptoms only enabled me to complete two days before having to go off sick again.”
Heather says she is a completely different person from who she was eight months ago.
She feels much older and exhausted all the time, as well as feeling isolated as she finds it difficult to meet up with friends.
"I never would have expected at 23 to be so unable to do things that before were so easy," Heather added.
"I don't feel 23 anymore, I feel so much older.
“I find myself not attending many social events with friends since the easing of restrictions due to exhaustion and can feel quite isolated. I'm missing out on so much.
“I’d urge everyone to remain vigilant and stick to the rules as much as possible.
"I understand the desire to want to meet friends and family in big groups without masks or social distancing after such a long period of time, however, I am an example that any young, fit and healthy individual could be affected so heavily by COVID.
“I would also urge everyone who is eligible to get their vaccinations to protect themselves and others.”
You can listen to Heather tell her story here.
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