Cape Town – Even though she was overweight, Monique Johnstone, the communications officer for Western Cape Government Health, believes having started a healthy living lifestyle three months before she contracted Covid-19 enabled her body to fight the virus and survive.
According to Western Cape Government Health, people with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are considered high-risk candidates for Covid-19 and the chances of contracting severe symptoms are probable. Therefore, feelings of fear and anxiety can arise when someone with a chronic illness encounters people in public spaces or shopping centres.
“Before contracting Covid-19, I joined a walking group in August 2020 at the age of 38 and started a healthy eating plan to control my weight and gain back my healthy lifestyle, of which I lost control due to my busy work and fast-paced personal lifestyle with my kids. “In December 2020, I contracted Covid-19 and suffered severe symptoms such as coughing, breathing difficulties, nausea, headaches, tiredness and a fever that lasted a few days.
“I realised that taking my body and health for granted is the worst injustice I can bring upon myself, especially when I have comorbidities. ’’It wasn’t easy and I struggled with my breathing after contracting Covid-19, but with consistency and not giving up, I persevered and my breathing continued to improve.