Viral Illness Survey Case Summaries: Moderate 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 moderate lung symptoms without a fever of 100F or more.
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: 12
Average Severity Score: 37
Severity Score Range: 18-67
Recovery Status (21+ Days):
9 cases
11% – Totally Recovered
22% – Mostly Recovered
11% – Somewhat recovered
22% – A little better
22% – Not feeling better but the situation seems stable
11% – Acute viral-type symptoms basically resolved but chronic illness issues are worse
Illness Onset:
8% – November 2019
0% – December 2019
8% – January 2020
42% – February 2019
42% – March 2019
Chronic Illness History (ME/CFS/CIRS/Lyme/etc.):
75% – Severe
0% – Moderate
8% – Mild
17% – None
Severe Symptoms:
Tiredness, 50%; Headache, 33%; Chills, 33%; Runny nose, 25%; Sleepiness, 25%; Generally feel terrible, 25%; Shortness of breath, 17%; Lung pain, 17%; Dry cough, 17%; Sore throat, 17%; Difficulties swallowing, 17%; Dehydration, 17%; Loss of taste, 17%; Feverish feelings, 17%; Muscle aches, 17%; Joint pain, 17%; Weakness, 17%; Difficulty breathing, 8%; Lung pressure, 8%; Sore voice, 8%; Diarrhea, 8%; Loss of appetite, 8%; Loss of smell, 8%; Bone pain, 8%; Sneezing, 8%; Wet cough, 0%; Pneumonia, 0%; Bronchitis, 0%; Vomiting, 0%; Nausea, 0%; Abdominal pain, 0%; Blue lips/face, 0%; Elevated temperature, 0%; Pain when moving body parts, 0%
Severe or Moderate Symptoms:
Tiredness, 83%; Dry cough, 75%; Difficulty breathing, 67%; Shortness of breath, 67%; Generally feel terrible, 67%; Lung pressure, 58%; Muscle aches, 58%; Weakness, 58%; Sleepiness, 58%; Lung pain, 50%; Headache, 50%; Sore throat, 50%; Difficulties swallowing, 42%; Chills, 42%; Runny nose, 42%; Wet cough, 33%; Feverish feelings, 33%; Joint pain, 33%; Sneezing, 33%; Sore voice, 25%; Dehydration, 25%; Diarrhea, 25%; Nausea, 25%; Loss of appetite, 25%; Loss of taste, 25%; Abdominal pain, 17%; Elevated temperature, 17%; Bone pain, 17%; Pain when moving body parts, 17%; Pneumonia, 8%; Bronchitis, 8%; Loss of smell, 8%; Vomiting, 0%; Blue lips or face, 0%
Mild, Moderate or Severe Symptoms:
Tiredness, 100%; Difficulty breathing, 92%; Dry cough, 92%; Headache, 92%; Generally feel terrible, 92%; Shortness of breath, 83%; Lung pain, 83%; Lung pressure, 83%; Sore throat, 83%; Runny nose, 83%; Sneezing, 83%; Weakness, 83%; Sleepiness, 83%; Elevated temperature, 75%; Feverish feelings, 75%; Chills, 75%; Muscle aches, 75%; Loss of appetite, 67%; Nausea, 58%; Pain when moving body parts, 58%; Joint pain, 50%; Difficulties swallowing, 42%; Sore voice, 42%; Dehydration, 42%; Loss of taste, 42%; Wet cough, 33%; Vomiting 33%; Loss of smell, 33%; Abdominal pain, 33%; Bone pain, 33%; Diarrhea, 25%; Pneumonia, 17%; Bronchitis, 17%; Blue lips or face, 8%
Cynthia
Author Comments: This individual acquired a fairly severe illness that sounds like it could have been the flu or Covid-19 in late November 2019 in the Las Vegas area. The addition of a moderately severe dry cough and feelings of lung pressure in late March suggests that the coronavirus could have been an add-on to the condition.
Patient Number: 8
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered.
Severity Score: 47
Time Since Onset: 115 days
Onset Location: Pahrump, Nevada
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 11/27/19
Lung Date: 3/13/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 76 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: Not An Issue
Bedridden During Illness: Totally bedridden
Relapse: I got somewhat better but then had a substantial relapse
Initial Symptom: Runny nose; Sore throat; Hot sweats; Diarrhea
Severe Symptoms: Headaches; Diarrhea; Chills; Joint pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of Breath; Feelings of Lung or Chest Pressure; Dry Cough; Feelings of nausea; Abdominal pain; Sneezing; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Sore or painful throat; Sore voice; Dehydration; Loss of appetite; Feverish feelings; Muscle aches; Pain when moving body parts
Not An Issue: Lung/Chest Pain; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties with swallowing; Vomiting; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Elevated temperature; Bone pain
Illness Summary: I have had a rotating viral-like illness since November with primary symptoms of cold symptoms, hot sweats, and diarrhea. It gets worse at night. Due to date of onset, I doubt it is COVID. However, during the last exacerbation of this illness, I suddenly received a dry cough, and additional symptoms, like shivering and temperature dysregulation. Cough has not gone away. I am really confused, because I have had a recurring viral illness with relapses and remissions since around Thanksgiving of 2019, though the seemed to flare somewhat most evening. The date of onset doesn’t correlate with COVID stats, except that around March 13, I developed shivering and a cough, which might or might not be related to the virus I developed in November. I have also had a runny nose and sneezing recently, the latter of which could be environmental, seasonal allergies, etc. I also had a few days of migraines (likely not allergy related), and had pretty bad diarrhea the week of March 13.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: None (Not able to get appointment; Don’t have practitioner nearby; Concerned about infections; Concerned about mold/chemicals; Concerned about out-of-pocket costs; Concerned about infecting others; Feel too sick to make effort; Avoid healthcare providers in general)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: Tent
Previous Colds/Flus: Several per year
Usual Blood Pressure: Low (taking medicine to raise)
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD; Asthma; Autoimmune; Chronic/Post Lyme; Fibromyalgia; Food sensitivities; IBS; Lung disease; ME/CFS; MCAS; MCS; PTS; Toxic Mold Illness; Immune Globulin Deficiency; Interstitial Cystitis
Worst Neurological: Very severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Cognitive, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities; Severe – OI, Headache
Most severe activity level: Totally bedridden, rarely could read
Recent activity level: I could go out to shop or socialize a few times a week.
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Somewhat clear
Critically Important: Reduce stress; Rest; Stay out of moldy buildings; Rinsing sinuses
Very Helpful: Spend time outdoors in good locations; Stay warm; sun exposure; Take warm/hot baths
Somewhat Helpful: Quercetin; Zinc; Berberines; Elderberry; Colloidal silver; Monolaurin; Probiotics; Electrolyte beverage; Cortisol/cortisone; Ibuprofen
No Effect: Vitamin D; CBD; Ginger; Raw honey; Chloroquine; Hydroxychloroquine
Don’t Know: Vitamin C; Other essential oils; Coffee enemas
Chelsea
Patient Number: 21
Current Condition: I feel totally recovered
Severity Score: 48
Time Since Onset: 82 days
Onset Location: Arlington, VA
Prior Locations: Washington D.C.; Sacramento, CA
Chronic Illness History: None
Mold Avoidance: No
Onset Date: 1/4/20
Lung Date: 1/8/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 4 days
Lung Severity: Moderate
High Fever: 99-100 (usually normal)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal.
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse.
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 3 days; Mild – 4 days
Initial Symptom: Severe sore throat
Very Severe Symptoms: Dry cough; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Runny/stuffy nose; Generally feeling terrible
Severe Symptoms: Headache
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pressure; Loss of taste; Muscle aches; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Lung/chest pain; Nausea; Loss of smell; Elevated temperatures
Not An Issue: Shortness of breath; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Feverish feelings; Chills; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Sleepiness
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe
Practitioner: Tested negative for strep throat.
Decade Born: 1990’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: 1-2 per year
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medicine)
Chronic Conditions: None
Worst Neurological: None
ME/CFS: None
Recent activity level: I could work or be active for 60 hours a week or more.
Mold Avoidance: Not pursued
HH Member #1: 1990’s; No chronic health issues; No acute viral-type illness.
Medical treatment: Took penicillin, didn’t help.
Very Helpful: Antiviral drugs;
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin D; Echinacea; Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Cough drops; Cough syrup; Ibuprofen; Rest
No Effect: Vitamin C; Azithromycin
Emily
Patient Number: 34
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered
Severity Score: 23
Time Since Onset: 62 days
Onset Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/1/20
Lung Date: 2/1/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: Mildly problematic elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Mostly bedridden
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Severe – 7 days; Moderate – 5 days; Mild – 50 days
Initial Symptom: Lungs felt weak; More reactive than usual
Severe Symptoms: Tiredness
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Wet cough; Sleepiness
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Lung/chest pain; Headache; Dehydration; Loss of appetite; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Bone pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Shortness of breath; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Sore/painful throat; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips/face; Chills; Muscle aches; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Additional Symptoms: Very painful crick in neck and shoulder blade, making it hard to move. General stiff feeling all over.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): More severe
Practitioner: Not discussed (Doubt that would be able to help)
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Chronic/Post Lyme; Food sensitivities; MCS; POTS; Psychiatric (Major Depressive Disorder; OCD); Toxic Mold Illness; Electrohypersensitivity
Worst Neurological: Very severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – Cognitive, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain; Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities; Mild – PEM, OI
Most severe activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 30 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
Critically Important: Vitamin C, Zinc, Melatonin, Citrus fruits, Reduce stress, Rest
Very Helpful: Vitamin D, Iodine, Spend time outdoors in good locations, Stay out of moldy buildings, Stay warm
Somewhat Helpful: Garlic pills, Monolaurin, Probiotics, MCT or coconut oil, Garlic, Onions
Don’t know: Vitamin A, Selenium, Bathe and change clothes frequently, Sun exposure
Additional Helpful Treatments: High dose melatonin and Vitamin C (per Doris Loh) most crucial; Propolis throat spray also hugely helpful; Kelp taken orally and also spread onto chest in a paste has been very helpful as well.
Additional Comments: My experience of the Suspect Illness has been in two phases. First phase (1.5 months) – mild, confined to lungs. Congestion, feeling of weakness to lungs, and a cough here and there. But mild enough that I didn’t even recognize it as an illness at the time. Just thought I had damaged lungs a bit from carelessness during an ozone treatment (which I do now think contributed to the symptoms in some interactive way with the virus, but was not the only factor in the mild lung issues that followed). Second phase – Sudden and rather severe viral illness (for 1 week, and now moderate for about 5 days as I have been recovering). Woke up one morning with a stiff, painful neck and also felt hot. Neck pain bad enough I could barely move. Worsened state of lungs. Not just congestion anymore but also stiffness in lungs. Increased cough – sometimes dry, sometimes productive. Severe fatigue, mostly bedridden the first week. Interestingly it seems that the second phase was perhaps triggered by a sunburn. The day before the sudden downturn, I stayed out too long in the sun, and got burned (full body). I think this likely depleted my zinc reserves, and allowed the virus to get a hold. Also interesting to me is the stiff neck thing – I haven’t had a stiff neck like that since many years ago at the very beginning of my chronic illness troubles (when an acute episode very similar to this kicked off my first bout of depression).
Onset: On 2/1/2020, I used a Forever Ozone machine to treat a building, and afterward, it felt like my lungs had been damaged a bit. I was perhaps a little too nonchalant about my ozone exposure during the setup of the treatment, and then going in to turn it off. But even so, I was a little puzzled about this because I’ve always been pretty similarly nonchalant during environmental ozone treatments, and I never before had an issue with my lungs afterward. I now think the post-ozone lung issue was likely some sort of interactive effect of the ozone with the (presumably) COVID-19 virus, which, if this interpretation is correct, had previously been asymptomatic.
Lucas
Patient Number: 37
Current Condition: I don’t feel any better but the situation feels stable
Severity Score: 23
Time Since Onset: 47 days
Onset Location: Oslo, Norway
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/3/20
Lung Date: 2/3/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Moderate Problem
High Fever: Lower than 99 F (Usual is low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I have not yet experienced improvements
Initial Symptom: Shortness of breath
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Sore/painful throat; Loss of appetite; Muscle aches; Sleepiness
Mild Symptoms: Headache; Feelings of nausea; Loss of sense of taste; Blue lips or face; Chills; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Tiredness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties with swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of sense of smell; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Weakness
Practitioner: Saw a practitioner
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Male
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: 1-2 per year
Blood Pressure: Low
Chronic Conditions: ME/CFS, MCS, Toxic Mold Illness, SCDS
Worst Neurological: (Not Sure)
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Cognitive, Sensitivities; Severe – Unrefreshing Sleep; Moderate – OI, Muscle/Joint Pain; Mild- Headaches
Most severe activity level: Could rarely go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Mold Avoidance: Big Effort, Improved Somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely Good
Mold Exposure: Very Clear
Catherine
Patient Number: 38
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 67
Time Since Onset: 60 days
Onset Location: Northwest Indiana
Chronic Illness History: None (Breast Cancer Survivor)
Mold Avoidance: No
Onset Date: 2/3/20
Lung Date: 2/3/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Moderate
High Fever: 99-100F (usually normal)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Very severe – 2 days; Severe – 5 days; Moderate – 21 days; Mild -7 days
Initial Symptom: Severe constant cough; Nose blowing; Mild wheezing; Exhaustion; Brain fog; Out of energy; Muscle soreness; Overall body soreness; Gastrointestinal symptoms; Dehydration; No appetite
Severe Symptoms: Sore/painful throat; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny or stuffy nose; Weakness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Vomiting; Nausea; Sneezing
Not An Issue: Blue lips or face
Additional Symptoms: Increased blood pressure, increased pulse, lower oxygen saturation (measured 93% at urgent care), shortness of breath, elevated temperature (measured 99 at urgent care), “borderline almost pneumonia” per urgent care doctor, nasal congestion, abnormal lung sounds per urgent care doctor, cardiomegaly or arrhythmia per urgent care doctor
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over.
Practitioner: Saw a practitioner (Results: POCT Influenza A & B – flu test was positive; Chest x-ray two views – showed borderline pneumonia; Abnormal lung sounds; Official dx was “Influenza with respiratory manifestation.”; This was 2/6/2020 and no one at that time was testing for COVID-19.)
Decade Born: 1940’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Flu Shot: Don’t think that received but not certain
Blood Pressure: Normal (not taking medicine)
Chronic Conditions: Breast cancer (minor surgery, radiation, hormone blocker)
Worst Neurological: Not experienced
ME/CFS: Not A Problem – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Could be active 40 hours per week
Recent activity level: Could be active 40 hours per week
Mold Avoidance: Not pursued
Critically Important: Electrolyte beverage, Azithromycin, Antiviral drugs, Rest, Spend time outdoors in good locations, Rinsing sinuses (saline spray)
Very Helpful: Vitamin D, Elderberry, Essential oils, Garlic pills, Garlic, Ginger, Raw Honey, Cough drops, Sun exposure
Somewhat Helpful: MCT or coconut oil, Antifungal drugs (Xofluza), Non-prescription cough syrup, Vicks VapoRub
Additional Treatments: Doctor prescribed Xofluza and Doxycycline. This reduced severity of symptoms over the next three days so that the patient was out of danger. It took about 21-30 days to gradually regain full energy level, appetite, sense of taste and smell. NOTE: One month prior to this February episode, around January 1st the patient had dental extraction done, and 10 days afterward was diagnosed with a mild fungal infection in the mouth and throat, was given an antifungal.
General Comments: Was diagnosed as the flu, with positive flu test, but the symptoms did not match up with a typical flu. There was a cardiovascular symptom (arrythmia, cardiomegaly), abnormal lung sounds, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal disturbance, zero appetite, severe cough. Severe cough continued 1 month after the prescriptions were finished (from Feb 3rd to at least March 7th at which point it resolved.) The patient has never had this type of respiratory/cardiovascular/GI illness even when she has had past annual flus and colds. Usually does not get sick. Always had sinus problems for years and stuffy nose, congestion, needs ear irrigation 1-2 times per year.
Mary
Patient Number: 40
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 32
Time Since Onset: 56 days
Onset Location: London, England
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/7/20
Lung Date: 2/11/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 3 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: Mildly problematic elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Totally bedridden
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 5 day; Mild – 28 days
Initial Symptom: Tired; Headache-y; Sneezing; Slight sore throat; Slight temperature
Severe Symptoms: Headache; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Tiredness
Moderate Symptoms: Dry cough; Wet cough; Weakness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Sore/painful throat; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Chills
Not An Issue: Difficulty breathing; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Nausea; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Additional Symptoms: Chronologically the wet cough followed on from the dry cough. There was only one night that was particularly bad with the headache and wanting to vomit but nothing to bring up.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Not discussed (Feel too sick to make the effort; Doubt would be able to help)
Decade Born: 1950’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Chronic Conditions: ME/CFS, Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderate
ME/CFS: Very Severe – Sensitivities; Severe – PEM, Cognitive, Headaches; Mild – Unrefreshing Sleep; Not A Problem – OI, Muscle/Joint Pain
Most severe activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Recent activity level: Could be active 20 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made some effort, health improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Not sure
Critically Important: Citrus fruits, Raw honey, Reduce stress, Rest, Spend time outdoors in good locations, Stay out of moldy buildings, Stay warm Sun exposure
Very Helpful: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Essential oils, Onions,
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin A, Garlic, Ginger, Acetaminophen
Don’t know: Selenium, Probiotics,
Additional Helpful Treatments: Propolis, Lemon tea, Honey, Water, Bed rest, Iceland moss tea, Vitamin C
Other comments: It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Unstoppable streaming nose, then an unbelievable amount of nasty gunk being coughed up, one time it was reminiscent of the movie Alien, but coming out of my mouth not my gut.
Anita
Patient Number: 54
Current Condition: I feel basically recovered from the acute viral symptoms, but other chronic illness issues are worse than before I got the Suspect Illness.
Severity Score: 29
Time Since Onset: 37 days
Onset Location: New Orleans, LA
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 2/26/20
Lung Date: 2/28/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 2 days
Lung Severity: Moderate Problem
High Fever: Mildly problematic elevated temperature
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Relapse: I have experienced improvements without substantial relapse
Duration: Moderate – 21 days; Mild – 12 days
Initial Symptom: Sore throat; Body aches; Sick feeling; Dry cough (began on second day, I think)
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Difficulties with swallowing; Feverish feelings; Muscle aches; Tiredness; Generally feeling terrible;
Mild Symptoms: Bronchitis; Headache; Elevated temperature; Chills; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing; Weakness; Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Wet cough; Pneumonia; Sore/painful throat; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Bone pain; Joint pain
Additional Symptoms: Mild lung issues lingering yet — lowered “peak expiratory flow” (a home measurement of asthma symptoms); wheezing ; green plegm (only dry cough during acute illness, which persisted for about three weeks)
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Not discussed (Don’t have a primary care provider at all; Concerned about exposure to infections; Concerned about exposure to mold or chemicals; Concerned about out-of-pocket costs; Illness has not been severe enough; Unable to arrange transportation; Doubt that would be able to help; Avoid healthcare providers in general; Did not suspect COVID-19 at time of acute symptoms – only in retrospect)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Blood Pressure: Very high (not taking medication)
Chronic Conditions: Asthma, Autoimmune, Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Not experienced
ME/CFS: Very Severe – Sensitivities; Severe – Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep; Moderate – Cognitive; Mild – PEM; Not A Problem – OI, Headaches
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: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Somewhat clear
HH Member #1: 1980’s; No chronic health conditions; Mild acute illness with lung symptoms
Critically Important: Vitamin C; Vitamin D; Garlic; Onions; Stay out of moldy buildings
Very Helpful: Vitamin A; Zinc (50 mg picolinate/gluconate); Essential oils (inhaled lavender, rosemary); Ginger; Hot peppers; Rinsing sinuses (salt, baking soda, xylitol)
Somewhat Helpful: Oregano oil; Probiotics, Bathe and change clothes frequently; Reduce Stress; Rest; Warm/hot baths
No Effect: Stay warm
Don’t know: Vitamin E; Selenium;
Additional Helpful Treatments: Tulsi tea; Golden paste (turmeric root powder)
Comments: My partner worked in a Tarot reading shop in the French Quarter, reading for tourists. The persons he read for were seated across a small table from him. I believe he was exposed to Covid-19 during Mardi Gras season (when over a million tourists congregate in New Orleans in close contact), and transmitted it to me.
Allison
Patient Number: 86
Current Condition: I don’t feel any better but the situation feels stable.
Severity Score: 36
Time Since Onset: 22 days
Onset Location: Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, MN
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/16/20
Lung Date: 3/19/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 3 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: 99-100F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal
Relapse: I felt like I was basically recovered and then had a substantial relapse. (Started feeling well, then went back to beginning of symptoms. This has happened 3x now.)
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 19 days; Mild – 3 days
Initial Symptom: Sore throat; Sore larynx; Chills
Very Severe Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Chills; Tiredness; Sleepiness
Severe Symptoms: Headache; Difficulties swallowing; Feverish feelings; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Generally feeling terrible
Moderate Symptoms: Shortness of breath; Wet cough; Sore/painful throat; Sneezing
Mild Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Elevated temperature; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose
Not An Issue: Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Weakness
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, harder to get over
Practitioner: Discussed with practitioner via phone or Internet (said not sure, maybe viral)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One or two per year
Flu Shot: Definitely did not receive
Blood Pressure: High (not taking medication)
Chronic Conditions: MCAS, Toxic Mold Illness; Primary Immune Diet
Worst Neurological: Mild
ME/CFS: Very severe – Sensitivities; Severe – Cognitive; Moderate – Muscle/Joint Pain; Mild – PEM, OI, Unrefreshing Sleep; Not Problem – Headaches
Most severe activity level: Rarely could go out but not bedridden
Recent activity level: Could be active 10 hours a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health stayed same
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
Critically Important: Vitamin C (10 g); Iodine; Quercetin; Selenium; Zinc; Elderberry; Rest; Stay warm; Warm/hot baths; Rinsing sinuses
Very Helpful: Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Colloidal silver (nasal lavage); Reduce stress
Somewhat Helpful: CBD; Curcumin; Electrolyte beverages; Ginger
No Effect: Melatonin; Monolaurin;
Harmful: Berberines; Medicinal mushrooms; Alcohol; Citrus fruits
Don’t know: Essential oils; Garlic essential oil; Garlic pills; Marijuana; Oregano oil; Probiotics; Transfer factor;
Other Helpful Treatments: Stephen Buhner Herb Protocol
Zachary
Patient Number: 89
COVID-19 Test: Negative
Current Condition: I feel a little better but not recovered
Severity Score: 54
Time Since Onset: 12 days
Onset Location: Las Vegas Area, Nevada (Camping in Lovell Canyon BLM land)
Prior Locations: Death Valley area, Pahrump, Las Vegas
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/17/20
Lung Date: 3/17/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 0 days
Lung Severity: Moderate
High Fever: 99-100F (usually low)
Bedridden During Illness: Totally bedridden
Relapse: Not sure
Duration: Very severe – two days
Initial Symptom: Cough, Shortness of breath, Worsened POTS, Fatigue
Very Severe Symptoms: Generally feeling terrible
Severe Symptoms: Shortness of breath, Dehydration, Feverish feelings, Chills, Muscle aches, Weakness, Tiredness
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Dry cough, Headache, Sore/painful throat, Difficulties swallowing, Diarrhea, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Elevated temperature, Runny/stuffy nose
Mild Symptoms: Lung/chest pain, Lung/chest pressure, Sore voice, Loss of smell, Bone pain, Joint pain, Pain when moving body parts, Sneezing, Sleepiness
Not An Issue: Wet cough, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Vomiting, Loss of taste, Abdominal pain, Blue lips/face
Additional Symptoms: Extreme worsening of POTS; Fluctuations/spiking of blood pressure; Delirium; Tachycardia; Exercise intolerance
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Saw a practitioner, COVID-19 results were negative. (“The ER doctor said that I likely had some kind of upper respiratory infection, and that it very well could be covid but my presentation was odd (high bp and tachycardia but normal oxygen and chest x rays). A different healthcare provider diagnosed me with the virus via ART testing. and said I additionally had a fungal infection in lung.)
Decade Born: 1990’s
Gender: Male
Living: Tent
Previous Colds/Flus: Several per year
Blood Pressure: Don’t know
Chronic Conditions: ADD/ADHD, Asthma; Chronic/Post Lyme, ME/CFS, MCAS, POTS, Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Moderately severe
ME/CFS: Severe – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Headaches, Muscle/Joint Pain, Unrefreshing Sleep, Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Basically bedridden but could participate in conversations
Recent activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Mold Avoidance: Made a big effort, health improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Fairly good
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 1990’s; Mild CFS; Not sure about illness
Medical treatment: I have taken thymosin alpha 1, chaga, vitamin c, all without seeming to change much, but the supportive treatments of high dose intravenous fluids in the ER, plus benzodiazepines, was helpful in stabilizing me.
Somewhat Helpful: Vitamin C (up to 10-15 g per day), Electrolyte beverage, Hot peppers, Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Stay out of moldy buildings
No Effect: Zinc (50 mg), MCT or coconut oil, Ginger, Onions,
Harmful: Sun exposure
Don’t know: Medicinal mushrooms, Melatonin (0.5-1 mg for insomnia, Citrus fruits, Garlic, Raw honey, Bathe and change clothes frequently, Reduce stress, Rest, Spend time outdoor in good locations
Treatment Comments: Hard to say through multiple choice how much mold avoidance and pristine air have helped as a treatment. I’m in a medium location while recovering, no outdoor super toxins, my room isn’t very moldy, but the rest of house is, the outdoor air doesn’t feel incredibly healing but not bad and haven’t tried really pristine locations since getting discharged. It does seem like extra moldy locations would make my symptoms worse though, definitely. Based on originally staying in a moldy airbnb for a night before going to hospital. I checked “mold avoidance has been somewhat helpful” rather than very helpful even though it was hard to choose. It has resulted in a very big *relative* improvement and is probably the most effective treatment I’ve done so far in the course of the illness, but even a huge relative improvement, starting from as sick as I was, doesn’t look like a big absolute improvement, compared to ideal health. So I guess I would like to consider that nuance in the survey. I’m definitely am a dramatic responder to mold avoidance and I definitely am able to sense mold and a variety of outdoor toxins, its just that it hasn’t brought me to fully cured, or maybe even fifty percent yet.
Additional Comments: It felt like I had dangerous levels of shortness of breath and I was very delirious. I think the shortness of breath was all from blood pressure and tachycardia issues, not from low oxygen, but it was incredibly uncomfortable and at a severity unlike anything I’ve experienced in the last year. I think my blood pressure was normal prior to getting this, but I didn’t have a machine then, so I didn’t check that box. It returned to normal after being out of the hospital, for the most part, but my pots is still way worse. Lungs felt bad for a lot of the time but wasn’t the most severe symptom. The delirium and feverish feeling before I went to ER was really extreme even though my fever was not high at all.
Alicia
Patient Number: 84
Current Condition: I feel mostly recovered
Severity Score: 18
Time Since Onset: 18 days
Onset Location: Rochester, WA
Prior Locations: Olympia/Centralia/Tacoma/Littlerock, WA
Chronic Illness History: Mild
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/16/20
Lung Date: 3/23/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 7 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: 99-100F (usually low)
Relapse: I got somewhat better but then had a substantial relapse
Duration: Severe – 2 days; Moderate – 5 days; Mild – 12 days
Initial Symptom: Low fever; Weird feeling in lungs
Severe Symptoms: Lung/chest pain
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Lung/chest pressure
Mild Symptoms: Dry cough; Sore/painful throat; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Abdominal pain; Elevated temperature; Sneezing; Weakness; Tiredness
Not An Issue Symptoms: Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Headache; Difficulties with swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Vomiting; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Blue lips or face; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Bone pain; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Runny/stuffy nose; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Additional Symptoms: Burning in chest; Episodes of hypoxia; Drops in heart rate
Bedridden During Illness: Not bedridden
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms, more severe, harder to get over
Practitioner: Discussed via phone or Internet (Told me to call 911 if my lips turned blue or I had difficulty breathing)
Decade Born: 1980’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: Several per year
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Mild
ME/CFS: Moderate – Unrefreshing Sleep; Mild – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Sensitivities; Not A Problem – Muscle/Joint Pain, Headaches
Most severe activity level: Could be active 60 hours per week
Recent activity level: Could be active 60 hours per week
Mold Avoidance: Made some effort, health improved somewhat
Mold Avoidance Skill: Not that great
Mold Exposure: Mostly clear
HH Member #1: 2000’s; CIRS; Moderately severe acute illness with lung issues
HH Member #2: 2000’s; CIRS, Lyme, PANS; Moderate acute illness with breathing issues
Very Helpful: Vitamin C; Berberines; Other essential oils; Citrus fruits;
Somewhat Helpful: Quercetin; Zinc; Garlic pills; Electrolyte beverage; Garlic; Ginger; Reduce stress; Rest; Stay warm
No Effect: Curcumin; MCT or coconut oil; Raw honey; Bathe and change clothes frequently
Don’t know: Vitamin D; Melatonin; Onions; Stay out of moldy buildings
Details: We live in Rochester. We had already been quarantining, except for doctor’s visits, which occurred in Centralia, Olympia, and Tacoma during this time. My youngest (5 years) was unusually fussy on Thursday or Friday March 12/13. I took her temp and I believe it was in the high 99s. My 12-year-old CIRS daughter had a temp later that day as well (high 99s is always a temperature for her as her baseline is around 97.6). That evening or the next morning, she complained that she felt something in her lungs. Over the next day, I took my own and my other two children’s temps and we all had low grade fevers (which would come and go over the following two weeks, the highest being 100.2). A few days later (likely Monday), I felt the strangest feeling in my lungs as well – a tightness and a feeling like something was there that wasn’t there before.
Relapse: Multiple times I thought I was turning the corner and would have a great partial day, but then the lung pain, burning chest pain, hypoxic episodes would return again. Finally, I think I truly rounded the corner about 15 days after I noticed my low fever and 13 days after first lung tightness, and am 5 days after that point with no further hypoxic episodes and lungs and chest burning continues to get less and less each day.
Treatment: Took the Buhner herbs, vitamin c, NAC, zinc, lots of tea (Holy basil, Pau D’Arco, Cistus), dgl, lymph cleanse, melatonin.
Josie
Patient Number: 91
Current Condition: I feel somewhat recovered
Severity Score: 39
Time Since Onset: 16 days
Onset Location: Redding, CA
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/18/20
Lung Date: 3/20/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 2 days
Lung Severity: Moderate
High Fever: 99-100F (usually normal)
Bedridden During Illness: Not really bedridden but slept a great deal
Relapse: I’m not sure
Initial Symptom: Dry throat; Cough
Severe Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of Breath; Loss of taste; Chills
Moderate Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Sore voice; Muscle aches; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts; Weakness; Tiredness
Mild Symptoms: Pneumonia; Headache; Sore/painful throat; Vomiting; Elevated temperature; Feverish feelings; Runny/stuffy nose; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Not An Issue: Wet cough; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Nausea; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Bone pain; Sneezing
Symptom Details: Dry throat, it was sore. Fever, low grade, chills, tightness in chest, congestion (sight), cough, chest cavity hurt, front and back. Threw up once. Eyes were dry and hurt somewhat. Lost sense of taste- Day 10, still not back fully.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Not discussed (Don’t have provider nearby; Concerned about infections; Avoid healthcare practitioners in general; Not testing in Redding unless admitted to hospital)
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: House
Previous Colds/Flus: One every couple of years
Blood Pressure: Normal (no medication)
Chronic Conditions: Chronic/Post Lyme; Food sensitivities; Toxic Mold Illness
Worst Neurological: Very Severe
ME/CFS: Very Severe – PEM, Cognitive, OI, Headaches, Muscle/joint pain; Unrefreshing sleep; Sensitivities
Most severe activity level: Totally bedridden and rare could participate in conversations
Recent activity level: Could go out a few times a week
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health has improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Extremely good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
Critically Important: Vitamin A; Vitamin C (to tolerance); Vitamin D; Medicinal mushrooms; Stay out of moldy buildings;
Very Helpful: Selenium; Zinc (in multi vitamin); Other essential oils (peppermint diffused); Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Reduce stress; Sun exposure; Spend time outdoors in good locations;
Somewhat Helpful: Rest
No Effect: Bathe and change clothes frequently; Stay warm
Additional Information: First 4 days were scary. Lungs felt very odd, pain all around sharp stabbing pains hurt to move much. Prior to getting ill, I was home in Redding. Worth the mention as I was home ….6 weeks of extreme protections going out. Gloves, mask, disinfection wipes. Getting out of car, removing gloves before touching car on re-entry. Sanitation of hands after removing mask. New gloves before loading car. Sanitation zone before bring anything into house: washing everything in soap and water. Removing clothing into wash after being in town, no shoes in house. Same with the mail, gloves, zone for all mail, nothing opened without gloves. Who came to the house: 1) The yard guy, right before I got sick. Fairly good distance measures…but forgot about the gate handle. Update: April 2- he is feeling sick. He came to do the yard April 2 extreme distancing, cleaned the gate handle. 2) The pool guy: lots of interaction, major repair, came into the house for 5 min to be paid. The last person in the house to date.
Toni
Patient Number: 106
Current Condition: I feel somewhat recovered
Severity Score: 29
Time Since Onset: 25 days
Onset Location: Bend, OR
Prior Locations: Sisters, OR
Chronic Illness History: Severe
Mold Avoidance: Yes
Onset Date: 3/18/20
Lung Date: 3/25/20
Lung Symptom Lag: 7 days
Lung Severity: Moderate problem
High Fever: 99-100F
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: Moderate – 3 days; Mild – 22 days
Initial Symptom: Nausea
Moderate Symptoms: Difficulty breathing; Shortness of breath; Sore/painful throat; Nausea; Weakness; Tiredness; Sleepiness; Generally feeling terrible
Mild Symptoms: Lung/chest pain; Lung/chest pressure; Dry cough; Headache; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Loss of smell; Loss of taste; Feverish feelings; Chills; Muscle aches; Joint pain; Pain when moving body parts
Not An Issue: Wet cough; Pneumonia; Bronchitis; Difficulties swallowing; Sore voice; Dehydration; Diarrhea; Abdominal pain; Blue lips or face; Bone pain; Runny/stuffy nose; Sneezing
Additional Symptoms: Lingering fatigue, tinnitus and brain fog since the other symptoms stopped. I’m finding it very difficult to discern what’s coming from ME/CFS, what’s allergies and what’s Covid.
Suspect Illness (compared to colds/flus): Different symptoms
Practitioner: Discussed with practitioner via phone or Internet. Said suspected Covid, could be flu. I am absolutely not eligible for testing because I am not 60 years old.
Decade Born: 1960’s
Gender: Female
Living: Apartment
Previous Colds/Flus: Rarely or never
Flu Shot: Definitely not
Blood Pressure: Normal (taking medication to lower)
Chronic Conditions: Autoimmune; Diabetes; Fibromyalgia ; Food sensitivities; IBS; ME/CFS; MCAS; MCS; POTS; Toxic Mold Illness; Cancer
Worst Neurological: Moderate
ME/CFS: Very Severe – Sensitivities; Cognitive – Severe; Moderate – PEM, Muscle/Joint Pain; Unrefreshing Sleep; Mild – OI; Not A Problem – Headaches
Most severe activity level: I rarely could go out but was not bedridden
Recent activity level: I could be active for 30 hours a week or more
Mold Avoidance: Made big effort, health improved a great deal
Mold Avoidance Skill: Very good
Mold Exposure: Very clear
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