54 Days in America and Catching COVID: A Former Shanghainese's Experience
I’ve been infected with COVID for three days now. Too soon to say I’m fully recovered, but I’m not in obvious discomfort anymore. Slowly regaining my strength. This morning, I even felt motivated enough to clean up the fallen leaves in the yard. After I posted about my wife, Yanbing, catching COVID in our group chat, friends and family sent messages of concern and advice. They all worry, especially my parents.
So, during this “Yangguo to Yangkang” phase (recovery period after COVID in Chinese slang), I felt the need to document my COVID experience in the U.S. Helps folks understand COVID policies besides “dynamic zero-COVID.” I won’t comment on different policies (those who know me can guess my stance), but I’ll record how it was to get infected, my symptoms, and how others reacted. Think of me as a family member, friend, or former colleague you know and trust (at least, I hope you do). 😄
Infection Experience
On September 25, our family flew from Los Angeles to Orlando (a five-hour flight) for a week-long closed-door conference. Unfortunately, we hit Orlando during a rare severe hurricane, so like the hundreds of Americans from various states here, we spent most of the week holed up in the hotel. At the airport, on the plane, and in the hotel, almost no one wore masks. As recent arrivals to the U.S., we stayed cautious, wearing masks in the airport and on the plane.
During the conference, though, everyone—many Chinese included—ditched masks. Wearing them in that setting felt odd. It wasn’t fear of judgment, but more about respecting others, so we let go.
On September 28, Yanbing felt unwell and started coughing, especially at night. No pain, just a need to cough. Many accompanying friends confirmed their infections too. We were in a small room together, sharing meals and facilities, though Yanbing masked up. Catching COVID didn’t require any reporting to any agency or hotel. Just put on a mask and go about your day.
On the morning of October 1, we flew back to Los Angeles, still wearing masks. When we landed and were on our way home, I started feeling unwell. Sure enough, once home, I got a fever. With the travel fatigue, Yanbing, who was recovering, had to stay in bed. We isolated on the second floor while Linda and Anran were downstairs playing with Lego and reading. I felt lonely and helpless, worrying they might have to fend for themselves if I couldn’t manage dinner (our fridge was nearly empty). Being in Shanghai, I’d have had plenty of friends around.
But Lily, a sister from our church, bought and delivered groceries. By evening, Yanbing was able to get up and prepare a simple dinner. Meanwhile, I alternated between fever and no fever, staying lucid even if weak. I could move if pushed but indulged in laying about, taking it as a rare chance to laze.
October 1 night was the worst. I’d overslept in the day, probably had some inflammation, causing backaches and needing constant position changes. Terrible sleep quality. Again, likely due to fever, I couldn’t think straight. I spent the night categorizing sleep positions, trying to find a comfortable one for rest. It was like solving a design problem, draining my energy. Didn’t truly “sleep” until after 8 a.m.
October 2 night, I slept better, and Yanbing stopped coughing overnight. Woke at 3 a.m., had trouble sleeping again, so I played hymn music at a whisper to focus and catch the words. The process lulled me to sleep.
By October 3, though occasionally feverish, recovery began. I realized I was fine despite reassurances from U.S. friends; only your body knows when it truly feels at ease.
Symptom Reactions
Everyone reacts differently. Among the five or six infections I’ve seen this week, most cough and fever, surprisingly no runny noses. My symptoms started with fever, then aching (partly from sleeping too long), no strength, some sore throat, and eventually occasional coughs (some phlegm).
Coping Measures
We isolated at home. As mentioned, Yanbing and I isolated in the master bedroom on the second floor (attached bath), wearing masks all day. The kids roamed downstairs and slept in their rooms upstairs at night. Kept all windows open for ventilation. Obviously, effective isolation didn’t happen, as Yanbing still cooked for us.
Surprisingly, this strain didn’t take away taste, which is a relief. Losing it would’ve meant trouble eating. For us, especially me, COVID didn’t kill our appetite. We ate as usual: eggs, meat, veggies, fruits, milk, bread. One day, grapes for breakfast, plums for lunch, bananas for dinner.
Besides eating, you need lots of water (with vitamin C).
Medically, before October 3, I took Tylenol to break fevers four or five times, one pill per time, nothing else.
On Sunday afternoon, emailed the kids’ teachers explaining our situation (parents infected, kids not). Since it was the weekend, didn’t expect a reply, promised we wouldn’t send them to school until we heard back. Monday morning, confirmed with the teacher. Kids were negative and symptom-free, so they could go to school. No proof needed; saying negative was enough.
Lastly, forgot to mention, before coming to the U.S., we all got 2 Sinovac shots. Friends say different vaccines have different symptom severities; Pfizer recovers in two to three days, Sinopharm might take a week or more.