Viral Illness Survey Case Summaries: Mild Lung Issues Without High Fever
May 11, 2020
By Lisa Petrison, Ph.D.
This page provides a summary of the case reports from some of the first individuals to respond to the Paradigm Change Coronavirus Covid-19 and Viral Illness Survey.
Individuals included on this page are those who reported that they had mild lung symptoms without a high fever (defined as 100F or greater).
Patient summaries are arranged in chronological order by illness onset date. Patients with onset dates prior to December 1, 2019, are listed in the “Earlier Cases” section at the bottom of the page.
An overview of the initial summary results is provided on a separate Paradigm Change blog page.
Overview
Number of cases: 21
Average Severity Score: 26
Severity Score Range: 13-47
Recovery Status (21+ Days):
14 cases
29% – Totally recovered
43% – Mostly recovered
7% – Somewhat recovered
7% – A little better
7% – Not feeling better but the situation seems stable
7% – Acute viral-type symptoms basically resolved but chronic illness issues are worse
Illness Onset:
5% – November 2019
14% – December 2019
5% – January 2019
19% – February 2019
57% – March 2019
Chronic Illness History (ME/CFS/CIRS/Lyme/etc.):
57% – Severe
19% – Moderate
19% – Mild
5% – None
Severe Symptoms:
Headache, 14%; Sore throat, 14%; Tiredness, 14%; Generally feel terrible, 14%; Runny nose, 10%; Sleepiness, 10%; Loss of appetite, 5%; Loss of taste, 5%; Abdominal pain, 5%; Feverish feelings, 5%; Muscle aches, 5%; Joint pain, 5%; Pain when moving body parts, 5%; Weakness, 5%
Moderate or Severe Symptoms:
Generally feel terrible, 67%; Tiredness, 57%; Muscle aches, 48%; Headache, 43%; Weakness, 43%; Runny nose, 38%; Sleepiness, 38%; Sore throat, 29%; Pain when moving body parts, 24%; Abdominal pain, 19%; Joint pain, 19%; Sneezing, 19%; Loss of appetite, 14%; Lung pain, 14%; Dry cough, 14%; Sore voice, 14%; Diarrhea, 14%; Nausea, 14%; Feverish feelings, 14%; Chills, 14%; Bone pain, 14%; Lung pressure, 10%; Difficulty swallowing, 10%; Dehydration, 10%; Difficulty breathing, 5%; Shortness of breath, 5%; Wet cough, 5%; Loss of smell, 5%; Loss of taste, 5%
Mild, Moderate or Severe Symptoms:
Tiredness, 95%; Sleepiness, 95%; Generally feel terrible, 90%; Headache, 81%; Muscle aches, 81%; Runny nose, 76%; Weakness, 76%; Loss of appetite, 67%; Feverish feelings, 62%; Chills, 62%; Sore throat, 57%; Joint pain, 57%; Pain when moving body parts, 57%; Sneezing, 57%; Dry cough, 52%; Shortness of breath, 48%; Lung pressure, 48%; Nausea, 48%; Wet cough, 43%; Difficulty swallowing, 43%; Abdominal pain, 43%; Sore voice, 38%; Dehydration, 38%; Difficulty breathing, 33%; Lung pain, 33%; Diarrhea, 33%; Loss of taste, 33%; Elevated temperature, 33%; Bone pain, 33%; Loss of smell, 24%; Pneumonia, 5%; Bronchitis, 5%; Vomiting, 5%; Blue lips or face, 0%
Patrick
Patient Number: 6
Current Condition: I feel totally recovered
Severity Score: 17
Time Since Onset: 125 days
Onset Location: Palmetto, GA
Prior Locations: Peachtree City/Sugarloaf/Duluth/Lawrenceville, GA
Chronic Illness History: Mild
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 11/23/19
Lung Date: 11/25/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 2 days
Lung Severity: Mild problem
High Fever: Mildly problematic elevated temperature
Bedridden: Not bedridden
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Mild – 9 days
Initial Symptom: Body aches; Chills; Mucus in my chest; Cough
Moderate Symptoms: Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Wet cough; Headache; Nausea; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness;
Not An Issue Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face;
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Not seen (Illness has not been severe enough)
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Male
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: Normal (taking medication to lower)
Chronic Conditions: Food sensitivities, Arthritis
Worst Neurological: I’m not sure
ME/CFS: Moderate – PEM; Not a Problem – Cognitive, OI, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 60 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 60 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1980’s; Hashimoto’s, Graves, Mold sensitivity, ME/CFS; No acute viral illness
Critically Important: Rest; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay out of moldy locations
Very Helpful: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iodine, Quercetin, Selenium, Zinc, Berberines, CBD, Curcumin, Echinacea, Elderberry, Garlic essential oil (30 drops a day in water) Marijuana, Oregano oil; Probiotics, Citrus fruits, Electrolyte beverage, Garlic, Ginger, Onions, Raw honey; Non-prescription cough syrups; Bathe and change clothes frequently; Reduce stress; Stay warm; Sun exposure;
Somewhat Helpful: Cough drops; Warm/hot baths
No Effect: Antibiotic drugs
Additional useful treatments: Lemon and ginger
General comments: I felt like I had a bad flu that lasted for over a week.
Wendy
Patient Number: 10
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 23
Time Since Onset: 135 days
Onset Location: Albany, NY
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 12/1/19
Lung Date: 12/1/19
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Very Mild
High Fever: Mildly elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I’m not sure. I first got it in the first week of December 2019, with coughing for 10 days. Then I got reinfected from a coworker for another 10 days.
Duration: Mild – 20 days all together given that I had it twice
Initial Symptom: Cough; Congestion; Tired
Moderate Symptoms: Dry cough; Diarrhea; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Wet cough; Headache; Sore/painful throat; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Practitioner: Not discussed
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Chronic Conditions: Chronic/Post Lyme; Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately Severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM; Unrefreshing Sleep; Severe – Cognitive, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain; Moderate – OI
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could be active 60 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made some effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Somewhat clear
Very Helpful: Rinsing sinuses
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin C (ate at least one orange per day); Curcumin; Cough drops; Reduce stress; Rest; Spend time outdoors in good locations;
Don’t know: Citrus fruits; MCT or coconut oil; Ginger
Additional Treatments: I did some red light therapy
Additional Comments: Mostly felt like a cold that came with an annoying cough. It was followed by some major gut issues – abdominal pain for 2 weeks and yellow & white stools that seem to have no explanation. Docs have said it could have been an infection.
Hope
Author Comments: This individual acquired a moderately severe illness with variety of symptoms in early December in the Ann Arbor/Lansing, MI, area. Mild lung symptoms (including coughing and breathing issues) did not have onset until early January.
Patient Number: 11
Current Condition: I feel totally recovered
Severity Score: 38
Time Since Onset: 112 days
Onset Location: Pinckney, MI
Prior Locations: Lansing/Ann Arbor, MI
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 12/9/19
Lung Date: 1/11/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 42 days
Lung Severity: Mild problem
High Fever: Not an issue
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse.
Bedridden During Illness: Almost totally bedridden
Duration: Mild – 14 days.
Initial Symptom: Came on suddenly. Body aches; Headache; Sinus congestion; Post nasal drip; Clear drainage; Fatigue; Mild non-productive cough.
Severe Symptoms: Headache; Loss of appetite; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose
Moderate Symptoms: Abdominal pain; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Weakness; Tiredness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Dry cough; Wet cough; Difficulties swallowing; Diarrhea; Nausea; Loss of smell; Chills; Sneezing; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Sore/painful throat; Sore voice; Dehydration; Vomiting; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings
Additional Symptoms: Waking multiple times a night; Weight loss; Swelling of right eye
Practitioner: Saw practitioner. (I assumed it was just the winter cold. I also had a tooth pulled and was experiencing facial pain. She prescribed amoxicillin.)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: High (taking medication to lower)
Chronic Conditions: Autoimmune; IBD; Toxic mold illness; Complex regional pain syndrome; Occipital neuralgia
Worst Neurological: Very severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – Muscle/joint pain; Moderate – Cognitive; Mild – Headaches; Not A Problem – OI
Most severe activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Have made a big effort, health has improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1930’s; Asthma, COPD, hypertension, psoriasis; prostate cancer; bladder cancer; skin cancer, aortic aneurysm; Moderately severe acute illness with lung issues
HH Member #2: 1960’s; High cholesterol, mood disorder; No acute illness
Critically Important: Stay out of moldy buildings; Stay warm; Rinsing sinuses
Very Helpful: Bathe and change clothes frequently; Reduce stress; Rest
Somewhat Helpful: Oregano oil; Other essential oils (topical and inhalation); Melatonin; Probiotics; Raw honey; Other antibiotic drugs (Amoxicillin); Antiviral drugs; Prescription cough syrup; Acetaminophen; Cough drops; Non-prescription cough syrup; Sun exposure; Take warm/hot baths
No Effect: CBD; Colloidal Silver (Nasal Spray)
Harmful: Marijuana
Don’t know: Vitamin C (500 mg), Vitamin D; MCT or coconut oil; Onions; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Gargling
Kyle
Patient Number: 13
Current Condition: I feel totally recovered
Time Since Onset: 105 days
Onset Location: Hamilton, IN
Prior Locations: Chicago and Milwaukee Areas
Chronic Illness History: None (but high blood pressure)
Mold Avoidance: No
Onset Date: 12/14/19
Lung Date: 12/21/19
Lung Symptom Lag: 7 days
Lung Severity: Mild problem
High Fever: 99-100F (usually normal)
Bedridden: Mostly bedridden
Relapse: I got somewhat better but then had a substantial relapse
Duration: Moderate – 7 days; Mild – 24 days
Initial Symptom: Fever; Cough; Sore throat; Headaches
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): More severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: I went to urgent care twice. No diagnosis.
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Male
Living: Apartment, Hotel
Previous Colds/Flus: One every several years
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: High (not taking medicine)
Chronic Conditions: None
Worst Neurological: Not sure
ME/CFS: Mild – Unrefreshing Sleep; Not A Problem – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 60 hours per week
Recent activity level: Could be active 60 hours per week
Mold Avoidance: Not sure
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin C; Electrolyte beverage; Prescription cough syrup; Non-prescription cough syrup; Ibuprofen; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Sun exposure; Warm/hot baths
No Effect: Alcohol; Citrus fruits; Azithromycin; Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Bathe and change clothes frequently; Rest; Stay warm
Don’t know: Essential oils; Oregano oil; Probiotics; Colloidal silver; Other antibiotic drugs; Reduce stress; Stay out of moldy buildings; Onion poultice
Relapse details: Fever, headache and pain all improved. A week later, the cough, sore throat, and headaches got worse. It took approximately a month to go away. The last time I was sick for over a month. It was 20 years ago. It was Mono followed by a sinus infection. Typically my illnesses take a week or less. This took roughly a month.
Elizabeth
Patient Number: 28
Current Condition: I don’t feel that bad anymore, but suspect some congestion in my lungs as chest pressure is still bothering me
Severity Score: 32
Time Since Onset: 61 days
Onset Location: LA
Prior Locations: LA Area
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 1/20/20
Lung Onset: 1/20/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Mild Problem
High Fever: Lower than 99F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Mostly bedridden
Relapse: I have not yet experienced improvements
Initial Symptom: Pressure in my chest, which led to a dull ache. A feeling that I have to inhale 3 times to get enough oxygen. Some “air hunger’ have not checked 02 levels. A bit more aches, in places that flare up. Low energy, increasing pain in chest/ lungs. Occasional sweats or hot flashes and chills. Slight irritation in throat. I really don’t know how much is a flare and what is virus- however the reason I’m filling out the survey is that chest pain and lung pressure usually aren’t issues for me. Not even in mold- though I did have air hunger from Lyme. Or who knows what. But it’s been years since I’ve had it. It now seems to be sitting in my chest. I may have pneumonia. Not sick enough for hospital or anything like that.
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Headache; Loss of appetite; Muscle aches; Pain when moving body parts; weakness; Tiredness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Dry cough; Wet cough; Sore/painful throat; Sore voice; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Sneezing
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: The covid thing wasn’t a huge deal when I saw my doctor in early February for symptoms I thought were random. It wasn’t until I learned about it that I began to worry about my lungs and heart. The symptoms went away for a bit and then came back. By then I didn’t want to risk going to the hospital. I still don’t as I’m not that bad- but I’m calling back to report and update my doctor on Monday, and will follow his lead.
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Female
Living: Shed/Garage; Porch/Balcony
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Blood Pressure: Low (not taking medication)
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD, Asthma, Autoimmune, Chronic/Post Lyme, Fibromyalgia, Food sensitivities, ME/CFS, MCAS, MCS, Psychiatric (Anxiety, PTSD), Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Very severe – PEM, Cognitive, Headaches, Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – OI, Muscle/joint pain
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Mold Avoidance – Made a big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill – Fairly good
Mold Exposure – Mostly clear
Critically Important: Vitamin C (1000-3000 mg, liposomal), Vitamin D, Colloidal silver (oral), Melatonin (100 mg), Citrus fruits, Electrolyte beverage, Raw honey, Stay out of moldy buildings, Stay warm
Very Helpful: Monolaurin, Probiotics, Rest, Sun exposure, Warm/hot baths, Coffee enemas, Gargling (pink salts, colloidal silver, neem, tea tree)
Somewhat Helpful: Quercetin, Curcumin, Garlic essential oil, Medicinal mushrooms, MCT or coconut oil, Ginger, Aspirin, Reduce stress, Spend time outdoors in good locations
No Effect: Bathe and change clothes frequently
Harmful: Marijuana
Don’t know: Selenium, Zinc (in general supplement), Ibuprofen
Additional Treatments: About a week ago it was pretty bad. I’ve been taking colloidal silver and liposomal vitamin c as well as high dose melatonin my doctor put me on. Also doing a lot of holy basil tea and other herbs. Humic and fulvic acids. All these things seem to be helping.
Other Comments: I’m not sure if I have covid but whatever is happening with my lungs/heart is not good. It seems like the flu symptoms went away after a few days of silver and c, now I’m just left with an achy chest. I think I’m going to try an IV or two and some oxygen therapy. But I’m not sure I want to brave the outside world. So I’m monitoring myself and will decide in another day or two depending.
Vanessa
Patient Number: 39
Current Condition: Feel basically recovered from acute viral symptoms, but other chronic illness symptoms are worse than before got sick (Symptoms: Tiredness, depression/sadness, weight gain, ear pain)
Severity Score: 21
Time Since Onset: 47 days
Onset Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Chronic Illness History: Moderate
Mold Avoidance: Somewhat
Onset Date: 2/4/20
Lung Date: 3/5/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 30 days
Lung Severity: Very mild problem
High Fever: Lower than 99F (usually variable)
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: Experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Moderate – 3 days; Mild – 4 days
Initial Symptoms: Fatigue; Sore Throat
Severe Symptoms: Sore/painful throat
Moderate Symptoms: Loss of appetite; Muscle aches; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Dry cough; Wet cough; Dehydration; Loss of taste; Feverish feelings; Chills; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pressure; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Feelings of nausea; Loss of smell; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Discussed with practitioner on phone/Internet. Said “Viral illness.”
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: Several per year
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Chronic/Post Lyme; Food Sensitivities; MCS; CIRS
Worst Neurological: Moderately Severe
ME/CFS: Severe – Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities; Moderate – PEM, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain; Mild – Cognitive; Not a Problem – OI
Most severe activity level: Go out to shop or socialize a few times a week
Recent activity level: Go out to shop or socialize a few times a week
Mold Avoidance: Made some effort (not able to be avoiding before illness)
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Not clear at all
HH Member #1: 2010’s; ADHD, Sleep Issues; Stomach Ache, Gets Sick Often; Moderately severe acute illness with lung symptoms
HH Member #2: 1970’s; Sinus infections, SIBO, Diarrhea; Joint Problems; Moderate acute illness with lung symptoms
Very Helpful: Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay out of moldy buildings
Somewhat Helpful: Cough drops; Cough syrup (non-prescription); Ibuprofen
No Effect: Zinc (carnosine) Garlic Pills; Colloidal Silver (put in ears); Transfer Factor (4Life Classic); Electrolyte Beverage; Garlic; Raw Honey
Don’t know: Hot Peppers; Onions; Azithromycin
Additional Treatments: Left the area and stayed weekend in a hotel and was better when returned. My son and I were not able to get better in our house and/or area. We got better in 2 days staying at a hotel an hour away.
Donna
Patient Number: 48
Current Condition: I don’t feel any better but the situation seems stable
Severity Score: 13
Onset Location: Palm Springs, CA
Time Since Onset: 32 days
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/18/20
Lung Date: 2/18/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Very mild
High Fever: Lower than 99 F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: Experienced improvements without relapse
Initial Symptom: Mild sore throat, Dry cough
Mild Symptoms: Dry cough, Headache, Sore voice, Feverish feelings, Chills, Muscle aches, Muscle aches, Joint pain, Pain when moving body parts, Weakness, Tiredness, Sleepiness, Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing, Shortness of breath, Lung/chest pain, Lung/chest pressure, Wet cough, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Sore/painful throat, Difficulties swallowing, Dehydration, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Loss of smell, Loss of taste, Abdominal pain, Blue lips or face, Elevated temperature, Bone pain, Runny/stuffy nose, Sneezing
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Female
Living: Vehicle (without plumbing)
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Blood Pressure: Normal (No medication)
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD, Autoimmune, Chronic/Post Lyme, IBS, ME/CFS, Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Severe – Cognitive; Moderate – PEM, OI, Sensitivities; Mild – Muscle/Joint Pain; Not A Problem – Headaches, Unrefreshing Sleep.
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
Additional Comments: I’ve had a very mild sore throat and dry cough that lasted 24 hrs mid Feb and was gone with oregano caps. After that I noticed some increased fatigue and chills more than usual. No fever. After a few weeks of ebbing very mild sore throat and dry cough, raspy throat and body aches returned for 4& hrs. I have been using oregano caps. High dose vit c and zinc lozenges several times a day.
Stephen
Patient Number: 51
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered.
Severity Score: 21
Time Since Onset: 42 days
Onset Location: Bisbee, AZ
Prior Locations: Tucson/Sierra Vista, AZ
Chronic Illness History: Moderate
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/20/20
Lung Date: 2/24/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 4 days
Lung Severity: Mild Problem
High Fever: Not a problem
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I’m not sure
Duration: Moderate – 4 days; Mild – 5 days
Initial Symptom: Runny Nose; Mild Cough
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Dry cough; Headache; Weakness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pressure; Sore/painful throat; Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Muscle aches; Joint pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Tiredness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Pain when moving body parts; Sneezing
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Not discussed (Concerned about infecting others; Illness not severe enough; Too much trouble; Doubt that practitioner would be able to help)
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Male
Living: Vehicle without plumbing
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD, Asthma, Food Sensitivities, MCAS, Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderate
Additional Comments: I had been living in and outside a moldy house for 3 months before I move back into my van a month or so before these symptoms. So chronic fatigue symptoms had returned with some PEM. I also had mild asthma kind of symptoms for a while. This was a couple months ago so I don’t remember all the details.
Lindsay
Patient Number: 56
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered.
Severity Score: 33
Time Since Onset: 26 days
Onset Location: Santa Monica, CA
Prior Locations: Summerlin, NV; Las Vegas, NV; Palm Desert, CA.
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/28/20
Lung Date: 3/7/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 7 days
Lung Severity: Mild
High Fever: Lower than 99F (usually within normal range)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal.
Relapse: I felt like I was basically recovered but then had a substantial relapse. I seem to relapse badly for one day out of every 10, with 2-3 days of symptoms. I also have really mild symptoms lingering.
Duration: Severe – 3 days; Moderate – 6 days; Mild – 12 days
Initial Symptom: Sudden/dramatic loss of sense of taste (could not taste tart cherry juice or a tsp of salt on my tongue dissolved in my mouth), nausea, headache, kidney pain, congestion, post nasal drip, difficulty focusing, depression, and a general feeling like I’m going to die. This all started right after my 3rd liver/gb flush, and seemed to be retox and/or mercury released. My first 2 flushes did not have this effect, but I did fall asleep this time so took CSM a few hours later than planned. Now I think I was already successfully fighting the virus and the liver flush was too hard on my body so kicked me over the edge.
Severe Symptoms: Loss of taste; Generally feeling terrible
Moderate Symptoms: Sore/painful throat; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Weakness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Wet cough; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Lung/chest pain; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of smell; Blue lips or face; Bone pain; Sneezing
Additional Symptoms: Kidney pain has been moderate, nasal/sinus congestion moderate, post nasal drip moderate, difficulty focusing, depression
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over.
Practitioner: Not discussed (Concerned about mold/chemicals; Concerned about being quarantined; Concerned about infecting others; Illness has not been severe enough; Too much trouble; Feel too sick to make the effort; Doubt that practitioner would be able to help; Avoid healthcare practitioners in genera; Don’t meet CDC testing criteria)
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment, Vehicle, Hotel
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD; ASD; Asthma; Autoimmune; Chronic/Post Lyme; Fibromyalgia; Food sensitivities; IBD; IBS; ME/CFS; MCAS; MCS; Psychiatric issues (Major depressive disorder; Anxiety disorder; OCD; PTSD); Toxic mold illness; Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Worst Neurological: Very severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities; Moderate – Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain.
Most severe activity level: Totally bedridden, rarely could read.
Recent activity level: Could be active 10 hours a week.
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, improved a great deal.
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1980’s; Depression, Mild low thyroid, Sinus congestion, sugar addiction, blood sugar issues, Staph aureus and Fusarium on nasal swab; Moderate acute illness with lung symptoms
Critically Important: Bathe and change clothes frequently; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay out of moldy buildings; Sun exposure;
Very Helpful: Probiotics; Nitrazoxanide; Cough drops; Cough syrup (non-prescription); Vicks VapoRub; Rest; Stay warm; Gargling (HOCl, peroxide, sea salt water)
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin A; Vitamin C; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Iodine; Selenium; Zinc; Oregano oil; Other essential oils; Citrus fruit; Electrolyte beverage; Ginger; Hot peppers; Raw honey; Other antibiotic drugs (doxycycline); Reduce stress;
Don’t know: Monolaurin
Other Very Helpful: Hypochlorous acid/HOCl has been critically important for me, similar to ozone or chlorine dioxide. I have sprayed in my nose, and daily swish and gargle with it, and use it topically anywhere I hurt.
Current Condition Details: I feel mostly recovered, but then it really seems to wax and wane, like 2-3 days out of every 10 or so I have a flare. Plus a few mild symptoms like nasal/sinus congestion, post-nasal drip, and sore throat are lingering.
Additional Comments: My caregiver works in a Chinese-owned company in Santa Monica, and I think he’s had it for a few months on and off. I only got it once I was close enough to him to get it. I think this thing will linger a long time. Hopefully it won’t get worse. I don’t think it will. Also if we had more of a supply of Alinia we would take it but we are worried about running out, so we are only taking 500mg/day. Our dog has the virus and has been wheezing occasionally from it for a couple months.
Joanne
Patient Number: 61
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered.
Severity Score: 15
Time Since Onset: 32 days
Onset Location: Central Pennsylvania
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/2/20
Lung Date: 3/9/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 7 days
Lung Severity: Very mild problem
High Fever: Lower than 99 (usually within normal range)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal.
Relapse: I felt that I was basically recovered but then had a substantial relapse.
Duration: Moderate – 8 days; Mild – 23 days
Initial Symptom: Slight sore throat; Runny nose; Very cold feet
Moderate Symptoms: Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Wet cough; Headache; Sore/painful throat; Diarrhea; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Feverish feelings; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Vomiting; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Chills; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Weakness
Additional Symptoms: Overall malaise. One day of waking with the worst head pain I’ve ever felt (found out 2 hours later that son’s new phone was now running on 5G. This was the last day he was home – due to CV19 & my symptoms, he has moved in with a friend for now). Cough is a tickle cough, but productive, never dry or hacking. Lymph nodes under both arms felt swollen by Mar 23, that symptom came & went a few times after this date but left arm was definitely worse. Left arm actually felt numb/weak for a few days. So much drainage – which is the only symptom I have left as of today (April 2). All mold reactions/exposure symptoms/MT/barometric pressure drops – not affecting me at all since at least Mar 18 or so
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms; Harder to get over
Practitioner: Discussed. (He said it is basically like the flu in that is is more dangerous for the elderly or those with underlying conditions. He said many people already had it months ago, many people have it now & many people will get it in the future. It will run its course. Be cautious, but do not panic or worry.)
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Autoimmune; MCS; Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Not experienced
ME/CFS: Very Severe – Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – PEM; Headaches; Moderate – Cognitive, OI, Muscle/Joint Pain
Most severe activity level: Basically bedridden but could participate in conversations
Recent activity level: Could be active 30 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
HH Member #1: 1970’s; No chronic health conditions; No acute illness
HH Member #2: 2000’s; Mild mold-related issues; No acute illness
HH Member #3: 2000’s; No chronic issues; No acute illness
HH Member #4: 2000’s; Mild mold-related issues; No acute illness
HH Member #5: 2000’s; No chronic issues; No acute illness
Critically Important: Stay out of moldy buildings
Very Helpful: Bathe and change clothes frequently; Reduce stress; Rest; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay warm; Sun exposure; Take warm/hot baths
Somewhat Helpful: Gargling (salt water)
Don’t know: Vitamin C (just from cabbage); Zinc (50 mg on a few days); Elderberry; Probiotics; Electrolyte beverage; Garlic; Onions; Raw honey; Cough drops
Additional Helpful Treatments: Pressure point/manipulation by my chiro, I drink kombucha every day & just this week have been craving & eating cabbage. Ate boiled potatoes last week & didn’t feel good after, but now thinking maybe it was a detox feeling. Will try them again in a day or two. Beginning Mar 31/April 1st is probably the best I have felt since Mar 2nd.
Additional Comments: I awoke Monday Mar 2nd with a slight sore throat & cold symptoms, only the first or second time to be sick in about 4 years. No other symptoms & no fever, but very cold feet that would not warm up no matter what (the exceptionally cold feet is one thing that remained consistent throughout the whole time I felt unwell). I was well enough to go to a sporting event with my kids and also to church on Mar 7 & 8 (I refused to shake hands with anyone & kept my distance – even before we were mandated to do so ;)…when I woke sicker than before on Mar 9, I thought it was because I overdid it on the 7th & 8th. Relapse symptoms were: a runny nose, sneezing & tickly cough as well as further/deeper tiredness. There was one morning around Mar 17 where I felt a slight chill & slight nausea but that resolved quickly on its own without intervention. The slight sore throat was long gone by now, I never got a stuffy nose, never a high fever, never vomited.
Practitioner Visit: I went to my regularly scheduled chiro appt on Mar 23 & before I even said anything he asked if I had the “same thing everyone else does right now”. I mentioned my symptoms but that I was mostly better. The thing bothering me most was the slight drainage & the pain under my left arm. He checked my lungs (all clear), my heart rate (fine), my temp (normal). He did pressure point work & manipulation on my upper back, neck, & shoulder (not typically trouble areas for me – usually he works on my lower back). He said the sore spot under my left arm was a part of the virus that had lodged itself there. He manipulated it to an actual lump that he was able to get a hold of & kind of lift (I have no idea, couldn’t see, but that’s what it felt like). It hurt so bad lol..then he worked in my actual arm pit area which I didn’t even know hurt until that moment haha. After I peeled myself off the table, he had me drink 2 scoops of Nutri-Spec Oxy-Tonic in water, which was nasty. He said it would clear the junk out like a speeding bullet. I probably shouldn’t have been driving when that all happened on the way home!! But over that hour drive, the underarm pain disappeared, with not even a tender spot left behind! And the drainage was cleared out too! Within the next week, both returned with lesser intensity than before, but by today (April 2) the underarm pain is now completely gone & only slight drainage remains. He said I can come back in for another treatment if I want to but I’ll give it another few days & see.
Treatment Comments: I made sure to always stay warm, used a heating pad for my extremely cold feet, took one Epsom salt bath per day, drank warm liquids (tea, broth, soups), used a nose spray occasionally, also used a numbing throat spray on occasion before bed, increased water intake (room temp water, not cold), lots of rest – even taking a break from hobbies since they use up my brainpower 😉 staying stress free, praying & reading my Bible, spending valuable & happy time with hubby, kids & pets, keeping all negativity away xoxo
Laura
Patient Number: 65
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 35
Time Since Onset: 21 days
Onset Location: Toomsuba, MS
Prior Locations: Meridian/Hattiesburg, MS
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/5/20 (Approximate)
Lung Severity: Mild
High Fever: Mildly elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal
Relapse: I felt like I was basically recovered but then had a substantial relapse
Duration: Mild – three weeks
Initial Symptom: Sore throat; Body Aches; Cough
Moderate Symptoms: Headache; Sore throat; Difficulties swallowing; Loss of smell; Chills; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Dehydration; Loss of appetite; Loss of taste; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings
Not An Issue: Sore voice; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face
Practitioner: Not discussed (Illness has not been severe enough; Too much trouble; Doubt that practitioner would be able to help; Avoid healthcare practitioners in general)
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely/never
Blood Pressure: Don’t know
Chronic Conditions: Asthma, Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, Arthritis
Worst Neurological: Moderate
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM; Severe – Cognitive, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep; Moderate – Sensitivities; Not A Problem – OI
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, not sure if improved
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
Very Helpful: Ginger, Raw honey, Rest, Stay warm, Rife
Somewhat Helpful: Garlic pills; Citrus fruits, Take warm/hot baths
Don’t know: Other essential oils (inhaled peppermint), Colloidal silver, Alcohol, Garlic, Onions, Reduce stress, Stay out of moldy buildings, Rinsing sinuses (neti pot with Xylitol and saline)
Relapse Details: I thought it was over and then the sore throat came back worse than the first time. I stared hitting it with steam, ginger, and vitamin C and it didn’t develop back into a cough. I still have some upper respiratory crud that I can’t cough up.
Grace
Patient Number: 60
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 33
Time Since Onset: 19 days
Onset Location: White Rock, NM
Prior Locations: Santa Fe, Los Alamos, NM
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/2/20
Lung Severity: Very mild
High Fever: Lower than 99F
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal
Relapse: Experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Severe – 3 days; Moderate – 7 days; Mild – 5 days
Initial Symptom: Severe muscle pain, Extreme fatigue
Severe Symptoms: Muscle aches, Tiredness
Moderate Symptoms: Headache, Sore/painful throat, Diarrhea, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Abdominal pain, Joint pain, Pain when moving body parts, Runny/stuffy nose, Weakness, Sleepiness, Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath, Difficulties swallowing, Feverish feelings
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing, Lung/chest pain, Lung/chest pressure, Dry cough, Wet cough, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Sore voice, Dehydration, Vomiting, Loss of smell, Loss of taste, Blue lips or face, Elevated temperature, Chills, Bone pain, Sneezing
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Test for flu negative. Suspected viral illness.
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Blood Pressure: Normal (taking medication to lower)
Chronic Conditions: Fibromyalgia, Food sensitivities, IBS, ME/CFS, MCAS, MCS, POTS, Toxic Mold Illness, Thyroid issues
Worst Neurological: Mild
ME/CFS: Severe – PEM, OI, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain; Unrefreshing Sleep; Sensitivities; Moderate – Cognitive, Headaches
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out, not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could go out 40 hours per week or more
Mold Avoidance: Made a big effort, improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
HH Member #1: 1950’s; Heart disease, smoked; Moderate acute illness with lung symptoms
Very Helpful: Antiviral drugs (Valacyclovir); Reduce stress; Rest; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay out of moldy buildings; Stay warm; Sun exposure; Take warm/hot baths; Rinsing sinuses (saline)
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin C (1500 mg); Vitamin D; Quercetin; Zinc carnosine; Colloidal silver (nasal spray); Electrolyte beverage; Ginger; Acetaminophen; Cough drops; Ibuprofen; Vicks VapoRub
No Effect: Probiotics;
Don’t know: Bathe and change clothes frequently
Ann
Patient Number: 71
Current Condition: I feel fully recovered
Severity Score: 19
Time Since Onset: 35 days
Onset Location: Northwest Illinois
Prior Locations: Dubuque, IA; Rockford, IL
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/9/20
Lung Date: 3/19/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 10 days
Lung Severity: Very mild problem
High Fever: Mildly problematic elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I got somewhat better but then had a substantial relapse
Duration: Mild – 10 days with symptoms
Initial Symptom: Feverish feelings; Slight headache; Malaise; Sleepiness; Sense of coming down with something
Moderate Symptoms: Feverish feelings; Weakness; Generally feeling terrible; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Wet cough; Headache; Sore voice; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Elevated temperature; Chills
Not An Issue: Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Harder to get over, different symptoms.
Practitioner: Not seen (Concerned about infections; Concerned about infecting others; Concerned about being quarantined; Illness has not been severe enough; Too much trouble; Doubt that practitioner would be able to help; Avoid healthcare practitioners in general)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: Townhouse
Previous Colds/Flus: One every several years
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Autoimmune; Fibromyalgia; Food sensitivities; IBS; ME/CFS; MCAS; MCS; Psychiatric (Bipolar); Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Very severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – Muscle/joint pain; Headaches – Mild
Most severe activity level: Basically bedridden
Recent activity level: Could be active 40 hours per week
Mold Avoidance: Made a big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
Critically Important: Garlic essential oil (mixed with Brain Octane oil and administered rectally), Medicinal mushrooms, Spend time outdoors in good locations, Stay out of moldy buildings, Stay warm
Very Helpful: Vitamin C (10-20 g per day), Zinc (100 mg per day, different kinds), Oregano oil, Other essential oils, Monolaurin, Probiotics, Alcohol, Citrus fruits, MCT or coconut oil, Garlic, Onions, Raw honey, Bathe and change clothes frequently, Reduce stress, Rest, Take warm/hot baths, Coffee enemas
Somewhat Helpful: Ginger, Hot peppers, Sun exposure
Harmful: Marijuana
Don’t know: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin E, Iodine, Selenium, Echinacea, Berberines
Treatment Discussion: As soon as I started experiencing symptoms, I tried to hit it hard with high-dose Vitamin C (15 grams or more per day), high-dose zinc (100 mg per day), a few large doses of Vitamin D, some other vitamins/minerals, frequent doses of medicinal mushroom tincture, some monolaurin, some essential oils (including oregano and cinnamon) mixed with Brain Octane oil, and a good bit of garlic and citrus fruit. After about three days, I was still feeling like I was on the edge of getting really sick. Then I did a rectal administration (using a little syringe) of about 10 drops of garlic essential oil and 5 drops of wild oregano oil, mixed with about 10 ml of Brain Octane oil. This felt incredibly powerful on that first administration and within about half an hour, I felt like my body had a handle on the virus. Within a day and after a second treatment, the symptoms of the illness had receded. For the next two weeks, I found that if I didn’t do this same treatment every two days or so, I would start to feel sick again. At about 10 days in, I started having a tiny little pneumonia-like cough, after having skipped that treatment for several days. It receded after I did that treatment though. At about three weeks in, when I let up on the treatments, the cough came back and I also woke up feeling like I was drowning because I somehow couldn’t get air into my lungs, a feeling I had never had before in my life. In general, although the symptoms have been mild, they also have been pretty weird and difficult to drive into permanent submission. Finally, after doing rectal garlic oil treatments for several days in a row and also starting AHCC, the illness receded and has not returned. I also drank a lot of onion broth with honey and spices in it; tea with lemon and honey (and sometimes bourbon). I think that hitting my throat with that seemed like a good thing. I felt like my gut microbiome was hit a little too hard by all the garlic, and took a lot of high-dose probiotics as well as cold potatoes (for the resistant starch) to try to build it back. I feel like there were a lot of endogenous toxins created in this illness, and that coffee enemas and going for walks outside in the fresh air were really important. Even though I have not had any symptoms for almost two weeks and hope that I have thrown the bug entirely, I wouldn’t be surprised if it flared again. It seemed really persistent, whatever it was. I think that without the rectal administration of all that garlic essential oil, I likely would have gotten quite sick with this thing.
Additional Comments: I visited an indoor dog park at a concert arena in Dubuque on March 4 and then started experiencing symptoms five days later. I am basically recovered from chronic illness issues and am only mildly reactive to most mold toxins now.
Julia
Patient Number: 74
Current Condition: I feel totally recovered
Severity Score: 16
Time Since Onset: 16 days
Onset Location: San Jose Area
Chronic Illness History: Moderate
Mold Avoidance: No
Onset Date: 3/10/20
Lung Date: 3/10/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Mild
High Fever: Lower than 99F
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Duration: Mild – 5 days
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Initial Symptom: Sore throat; Malaise; Cold; Shortness of breath; Chest discomfort and heaviness
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Muscle aches; Runny/stuffy nose
Mild Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Sore/painful throat; Dehydration; Pain when moving body parts; Sneezing; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Dry cough; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Weakness; Tiredness
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): More severe
Practitioner: Discussed with practitioner. ART tested positive for COVID.
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Chronic/Post Lyme; Food sensitivities; IBS; MCAS; MCS; Toxic Mold Illness; Morgellons/skin fungus
Worst Neurological: Moderate
ME/CFS: Severe – Sensitivities; Moderate – Cognitive, Muscle/Joint Pain; Mild – OI; Not A Problem – PEM; Headaches; Unrefreshing Sleep
Most severe activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Not sure
HH Member #1: 1950’s; Depression, anxiety; Acute viral-type illness without significant lung issues
Medical treatment: Homeopathic remedies and energy healing nips it almost immediately.
Additional Comments: I believe I would have gotten very much sicker (considering how quickly my lungs were hit and previous chronic bronchitis and asthma) had I not nipped it in the bud at first sign of illness (sore throat, cold coming on, itchy throat, shortness of breath, etc) Homeopathy and in general, energy/frequency/vibration medicine works very well and almost instantaneously for me. I did start to get sick a few times in the past couple weeks since the first occurrence which was ART tested positive but I immediately nipped it in the bud each time.
Meghan
Patient Number: 75
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 31
Time Since Onset: 24 days
Onset Location: St. Louis, MO
Chronic Illness History: Mild
Mold Avoidance: Somewhat
Onset Date: 3/10/20
Lung Date: 3/11/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 1 day
Lung Severity: Mild Lung Symptoms
High Fever: Lower than 99F (usually variable)
Bedridden During Illness: Almost totally bedridden
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Moderate – About 3 weeks
Initial Symptom: Body aches; Felt like the flu; Congestion in chest; Cough
Very Severe Symptoms: Runny/stuffy nose; Generally feeling terrible
Severe Symptoms: Muscle aches
Moderate Symptoms: Dry cough; Lung/chest pressure; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Sneezing
Mild Symptoms: Headache; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Loss of appetite; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): More severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Saw practitioner, said upper respiratory infection.
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Flu Shot: Definitely received
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: None
Worst Neurological: Not experienced
ME/CFS: Moderate – Headaches; Not a Problem – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Muscle/Joint Pain; Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 50 hours per week
Recent activity level: Could be active 50 hours per week
Mold Avoidance: Made some effort, not sure if health improvements
Mold Avoidance Skill: Not able to do that at all
Mold Exposure: Not clear at all
Medical treatment: Flonase; Mucinex
Critically Important: Rest
Very Helpful: Prescription cough syrup; Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Non-prescription cough syrup; Vicks VapoRub; Reduce stress
Somewhat Helpful: Citrus fruits; Stay warm; Gargling
Don’t know: Vitamin C
Ella
Patient Number: 76
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered.
Severity Score: 27
Time Since Onset: 14 days
Onset Location: Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Prior Locations: Dayton/Elyria, Ohio; Killarney/Kilkenny/Galway, Republic of Ireland
Chronic Illness History: Mild
Mold Avoidance: No
Onset Date: 3/12/20
Lung Date: 3/17/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 5 days
Lung Severity: Very mild problem
High Fever: 99-100 F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal.
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse.
Duration: Moderate – 6 days; Mild – 4 days
Initial Symptom: Sore throat; Tickle in throat; Exhaustion
Very Severe Symptoms: Sore/painful throat
Severe Symptoms: Tiredness; Sleepiness;
Moderate Symptoms: Wet cough; Headache; Sore voice; Runny/stuffy nose; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Dry cough; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Loss of appetite; Muscle aches; Sneezing;
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Vomiting; Feelings of nausea; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Weakness
Additional Symptoms: Sore throat for 6 days and continual dry throat for the last 7 days.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Flu test and respiratory panel was negative; waiting for COVID-19 results (after 8 days)
Decade Born: 1990’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: One-two per year.
Chronic Conditions: IBS
Worst Neurological: Mild
ME/CFS: Severe – Headaches, Unrefreshing Sleep; Not a Problem – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Muscle/Joint Pain, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 40 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 40 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Not Sure
Somewhat Helpful: Acetaminophen, Bathe and change clothes frequently, Rest, Spend time outdoors in good locations
No Effect: Probiotics, Alcohol, Electrolyte beverage, Cough drops, Reduce stress, Take warm/hot baths
Don’t know: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iodine, Selenium, Zinc,
Additional Comments: Overall, the sore throat was the longest standing symptom i had, which was much longer than I usually feel. Also the exhaustion was similar to how I felt when I had mono and was different than just being “tired.”
Bethany
Patient Number: 81
Current Condition: I don’t feel any better and the situation seems like it is getting worse.
Severity Score: 31
Time Since Onset: 8 days
Onset Location: Huntsville, AL
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/13/20
Lung Date: 3/18/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 5 days
Lung Severity: Mild
High Fever: 99-100F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I have not experienced improvements.
Duration: Moderate – 2-3 days; Mild – 5-7 days
Initial Symptom: Sleeplessness; Sore throat; Muscle and joint pain; Nausea; General malaise; Fatigue
Moderate Symptoms: Headache; Sore voice; Abdominal pain; Muscle aches; Tiredness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Nausea; Loss of taste; Elevated temperature; feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Dry cough; Wet cough; Pneumonia/ Bronchitis; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Blue lips or face;
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Discussed with practitioner, waiting for test results. (My doctor thinks it’s a small chance that it is coronavirus.)
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medications)
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD, Food sensitivities, MCAS, POTS, Psychiatric issues (Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder), Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Severe – Cognitive, Sensitivities; Moderate – PEM, OI, Headaches, Muscle/joint pain, Unrefreshing sleep
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out, not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1950’s; Moderately high cholesterol; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
HH Member #2: 1950’s; High blood pressure; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
Medical treatment: Doctor suggested managing symptoms of cough to avoid causing ARDS if I were to develop a cough.
Additional Comments: This has been such an odd illness. I go through periods of time when I feel okay, but then I go right back to feeling terrible again. I just can’t seem to shake it.
Patricia
Patient Number: 85
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered.
Severity Score: 37
Time Since Onset: 22 days
Onset Location: Twin Cities Area, MN
Chronic Illness History: Moderate
Mold Avoidance: Somewhat
Onset Date: 3/16/20
Lung Date: 3/24/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 8 days
Lung Severity: Very Mild Problem
High Fever: 99-100F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal.
Relapse: I got somewhat better but then had a substantial relapse. (Cycling every 3-5 days – improvements then recurring substantial headaches/migraine, recurring severity of dizziness and muscle aches)
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 8 days; Mild – 11 days
Initial Symptom: Headache; Fatigue; Dizziness
Severe Symptoms: Headache
Moderate Symptoms: Dehydration; Diarrhea; Nausea; Muscle aches; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Dry cough; Wet cough; Sore/painful throat; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Lung/chest pain; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties with swallowing; Sore voice; Vomiting; Blue lips or face
Additional Symptoms: Dizziness and disorientation
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Discussed via phone or Internet (may be due to Covid-19 or a sinus infection)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Flu shot: Definitely received
Blood Pressure: Normal (not taking medication)
Chronic Conditions: Fibromyalgia; Food sensitivities; IBS; ME/CFS; Toxic Mold Illness; Breast cancer (stage 2) in mid 30’s; Tonsils, gall bladder, kidney stones removed; Uterine fibroids; Anemia
Worst Neurological: Moderate
ME/CFS: Severe – Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep; Moderate – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 30 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 40 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health stayed about the same
Mold Avoidance Skill: Not able to do that at all.
Mold Exposure: Not sure
HH Member #1: 1980’s; Chronic colds/allergies; Acute illness without lung issues
HH Member #2: 1990’s; Sore throats; Acute illness without lung issues
HH Member #3: 1960’s; Gluten sensitivities; Acute illness without lung issues
Medical treatment: Prescribed Amoxicillin, which I won’t take since I’ve worked hard over the last year trying to rebuild my microbiome.
Very Helpful: Antiviral drugs (Valacyclovir 1 g, 2 tabs, 2x day for 2 days at a time; Denavir 1% topical cream); Reduce stress; Rest; Stay warm; Coffee enemas; Rinsing sinuses (saline)
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin A; Vitamin C; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Zinc; CBD; Melatonin (3 mg at bedtime); Probiotics; Citrus fruit; MCT or coconut oil; Garlic; Ginger; Onions; Bathe and change clothes frequently; Spend time outdoors in good locations; Sun exposure
Harmful: Alcohol
Don’t know: Iodine; Curcumin; Echinacea; Stay out of moldy buildings; Salt pipe with iodine
Additional Helpful Treatments: Sauna for 5-10 minutes at 140F.
Notes: We have always had black mold issues over the last 32-yrs in our residence (We moved into our home in Jun 1988) Last fall we abated the mold in our attic using RMR-86 Pro® (SodiumHypochlorite). Sanitizes and seals in under 10-seconds. Full protective gear is required.
Additional Comments: This illness is lingering and recurring.
Katie
Patient Number: 92
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered
Severity Score: 15
Time Since Onset: 3 days
Onset Location: Southern Oregon
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/23/20
Lung Severity: Very mild problem
High Fever: Not a problem
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: Not sure
Duration: Mild – 3 days
Initial Symptom: Sore throat
Moderate Symptoms: Sore/painful throat
Mild Symptoms: Feelings of lung/chest pressure; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Chills; Muscle aches; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Dry cough; Wet cough, Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Bone pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Generally feeling terrible
Practitioner: Not discussed (doubt that would be able to help)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Chronic Conditions: MCS, Toxic Mold illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Severe – PEM, Sensitivities; Moderate – Headaches; Mild – Unrefreshing Sleep; Not A Problem – PEM, OI, Muscle/Joint Pain
Most severe activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 60 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made a big effort, improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
Very Helpful: Vitamin C (1-5 g); Reduce stress; Rest; Spend time outdoor in a good locations; Stay warm
Somewhat Helpful: Other essential oils (Thieves inhaled); Garlic; Hot peppers; Onions; Gargling (salt water)
Don’t know: Selenium; Zinc; Melatonin; Probiotics; Cough drops; Stay out of moldy buildings; Sun exposure; Warm/hot baths
Additional helpful treatments: Potatoes, okra, garlic, Scallions, butter, cayenne, soft-boiled eggs, broccoli, nutritional yeast, hot beverages. Qigong.
Faith
Patient Number: 94
COVID-19 Test Results: Negative
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered
Severity Score: 47
Time Since Onset: 10 days
Onset Location: Phoenix Area, AZ
Prior Locations: Cave Creek, AZ
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/24/20
Lung Date: 3/28/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 4 days
Lung Severity: Mild problem
High Fever: Not a problem
Bedridden: Mostly bedridden
Relapse: I have not yet experienced improvements
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 6 days; Mild – 2 days
Initial Symptom: Fatigue; Very sore throat; Swollen glands in throat; Inflamed eustachian tubes; Headache; Chills
Very Severe Symptoms: Sore/painful throat; Generally feeling terrible
Severe Symptoms: Headache; Abdominal pain; Feverish feelings; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Chills
Mild Symptoms: Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Muscle aches; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Diarrhea; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Bone pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Yes.
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years.
Flu Shot: Definitely did not receive.
Blood Pressure: Normal (not taking medication)
Chronic Conditions: Food sensitivities; IBS; ME/CFS; Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Mild
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Headaches, Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – Cognitive, OI, Muscle/Joint Pain
Most severe activity level: Basically bedridden but could participate in conversations
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
HH Member #1: 1950’s; Mild health issues; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
HH Member #2: 1980’s; Cirrhosis; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
Critically Important: Reduce stress, Stay out of moldy buildings, Gargling, Rinsing sinuses
Very Helpful: Bathe and change clothes frequently, Rest, Stay warm, Sun exposure
Somewhat Helpful: Oregano oil, Melatonin, Monolaurin, Electrolyte beverage, Ginger, Vicks VapoRub, Spend time outdoors in good locations, Take warm/hot baths, Coffee enemas, Nebulizer, Salt pipe with iodine
Don’t know: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, Citrus fruits, MCT or coconut oil, Rife
Additional Helpful Treatments: HOCl: Gargle, neti pot, fog house,rinsing off products; Nebulized a slight amount with HOCl and with Iodine. Had lung pain after initial nebulizing so approaching cautiously. Andrographis. Potassium. Had other meds on standby in case of worsening like hydroxlchloroquine, zpac, propolis but haven’t used
Test Results: I was using a neti pot with HOCl several days prior to nasal swan and so feel that may have skewed results. I don’t trust the testing. The mighty Mayo Clinic did mine, but they didn’t test against flu, which seems incomplete. The HOCl may have interfered. Or maybe I just have some garden variety bug. But they only have about a 2% positive rate which seems incredibly low since each patient must be prescreened via telephone with a nurse in order to even get the test. As of Tues, the Phoenix Mayo had tested about 2000 people. My suspect illness certainly hasn’t fit the instant fever, horrible coughing and drowning version of nightmares. But my symptoms are so very consistent with a ridiculous number of health group friends from all over the continent. If this isn’t COVID19, then it seems there is some other adjacent pandemic in play!
Additional Health Conditions: Hypothyroid. My normally controlled TSH tanked (TSH too high meaning thyroid underfunctioning) sometime last fall/winter. So far, I have not been able to get it back to normal. This can happen with infection. The crawl space in our rental went moldy last fall. I was pretty sick before figuring out the source. I am wondering if that was the “infection” that disrupted thyroid. I also had a bad dry hacking cough with viral feelings and mild bronchitis Jan-Feb but this latest “suspect illness” was more intense, but without coughing. Not direct to your question, but I feel relevant.
Tara
Patient Number: 95
Current Condition: I don’t feel any better but the situation feels like it is stable
Severity Score: 17
Onset Location: Evansville, IN
Time Since Onset: 7 days
Chronic Illness History: Moderate
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/26/20
Lung Date: 3/30/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 4 days
Lung Severity: Mild problem
High Fever: Between 99-100F. (Usually normal)
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I felt like I was basically recovered but then had a substantial relapse.
Duration: Mild illness – I’m on Day 7 and counting.
Initial Symptom: Fatigue; Chest tightness; Low grade temperature that never got higher than 99.4F.
Moderate Symptoms: Tiredness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Sore voice; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Muscle aches; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Lung/chest pain; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties with swallowing; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Feelings of nausea; Loss of smell ; Loss of taste; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: No. (Concerned about exposure to mold or chemicals; Illness has not been severe enough; Doubt that practitioner would be able to help)
Decade Born: 1970’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every several years
Chronic Conditions: Food sensitivities; ME/CFS; MCS; Toxic mold illness; Hypothyroidism; Endometriosis; Sleep apnea
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Very severe – Cognitive, Unrefreshing sleep, Sensitivities; Moderate – Muscle/joint pain; Mild – PEM; Not a problem – OI, Headaches
Most severe activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1970’s; No chronic illness; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
HH Member #2: 2000’s; ADHD; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
HH Member #3: 2000’s; No chronic illness; Acute illness without lung symptoms
Critically Important: Stay out of moldy buildings
Somewhat Helpful: Ginger; Raw honey; Rest; Spend time outdoors in good locations
Don’t know: Vitamin C (5000 mg per day); Zinc (lozenges, 2 mg); Melatonin (3 mg); Onions;
Additional helpful treatments: Combination of herbal remedies recommended by Kenyon Keily
Additional Comments: I feel like I’ve relapsed twice. Both days I felt really good…even my typical mold symptoms of brain fog and fatigue were greatly improved. Chest felt back to normal then the next day I’d feel worse again, chest tightness returned, fatigue, low grade temp.
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