# How Long Did you Hold out against Covid? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [July 23, 2022, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418 "2022-07-23T09:58:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/221 "2023-08-31T15:52:26Z")
Til yesterday, officially… ☹ Had a scratchy throat for a few days, but that’s almost always the way a cold starts with me. Then a dry cough for a couple of days. One afternoon had a temp of 100.2 for a few hours. I felt tired, but was also only getting 4-5 hours of sleep at night due to major stress over [having to move.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-move-to-the-retirement-facility-if-joining-the-thread-late-at-least-skim-the-first-few-posts/988672/263) Yesterday I tested. Damn that little pink line! I’m way ahead on the move so just taking it easy for a few days. Temp still 99. No coughing. Slight sore throat. I didn’t seek any treatment as my symptoms are so mild. Learned not to ask the question, _“What else can possibly happen?”_ ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2023, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/222 "2023-09-11T18:24:04Z")
I may still have missed it. Not entirely sure! I was able to stay home a lot, and when I was in the hospital the nurses largely wore masks because my immune system is bad. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/223 "2023-09-19T00:43:17Z")
My wife and I tested positive in the last couple of days. Caught it at the vet. Some moron came in and took no precautions. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/224 "2023-09-19T21:14:01Z")
I tested positive yesterday ☹😷 ---
**Author:** ![Beesnest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@Beesnest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beesnest)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/225 "2023-09-19T21:28:50Z")
I am just getting over a bought of Covid. From 8/24 to 9/18. I blamed it on the restaurant but may have been exposed to it before that although I really have not been out. I started out by throwing up and bowel problems. I had not known that was a symptom but it is on the list. So I did not clue in for 4-5 days. I had a sore throat next but I thought that was because I had the window open. Things progressed. I did not lose sense of taste or smell. When I finally tested the home test did not register and I went into KP lab to get a test. They sent an email out with result Positve, isolate and call an ambulance if you need one. No meds. So live or die but don’t bother us. tldr Did not die. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/226 "2023-09-19T21:53:51Z")
I am curious how many here took either Paxlovid or Molnupiravir? Both are supposed to be able to lessen the severity of COVID. I took Molnupiravir (could not get a Paxlovid prescription which is supposedly better) and my COVID symptoms lasted a few days and were not awful (I mean, I was sick and it sucked but I’ve definitely had worse). Was it the Molnupiravir that made it better or is it just how it went with me? I am not sure there is any way to tell. But other experiences here might point one way or another (as informal and unscientific as it is). ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/227 "2023-09-19T21:56:56Z")
I did the paxlovid and hit on 2 of the side effects and boomeranged. ---
**Author:** ![duality72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duality72/32/3910_2.png) [@duality72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duality72)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2023, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/228 "2023-09-19T23:09:06Z")
I took Paxlovid when I got sick back in June of '22. Things were getting worse for about 24 hours, then I assume the Paxlovid kicked in and the rest of the sickness was fairly mild, like a cold. I did get pretty severe Paxlovid mouth, but that was better than getting sicker, for sure. ---
**Author:** ![SunUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2023, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/229 "2023-09-20T02:16:46Z")
I started a Paxlovid thread last summer: > [@Anyone taken Paxlovid for a diagnosed Covid infection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-taken-paxlovid-for-a-diagnosed-covid-infection/967591): > > I came down with it on July 4th just before going to watch fireworks. Been generally isolating since. First test that day was the faintest possible “faint line” on the rapid test I took; second test (last night) the line was dark before I even got the 15-minute alarm on my phone set (and yes, the C line did show up eventually). So my doc put me on Paxlovid this afternoon. My doctor warned me to drink lots of water which I’ve been doing anyway, and recommended I take it with food (in my case,… We had a few other Dopers chime in with their experiences. My tl;dr: the mouth taste was bad but it seemed to work for me - would do again. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/230 "2023-09-28T11:27:09Z")
Well, just tested positive Tuesday night. Fever coughing, fuzzy head. Terrible time for me to be off work. Any ideas about best case scenario for a negative test? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/231 "2023-09-28T11:29:40Z")
You mean how long until you test negative? Or something else? ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/232 "2023-09-28T11:48:20Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > I am required to get a PCR test every week and have been for over 2 years. > > I have yet to get Covid. Right after I posted that (July of 2022) my wife got the vid something fierce. But I never did. I was in the same house and everything. Never got it. I thought for sure I had it back in June of this year. Throat was killing me and I felt crummy. But all the tests I took were negative. I had been in Port Austin, Michigan earlier that month. Doctor thinks whatever was in the air from those fires is what caused my symptoms. They discontinued the mandatory weekly tests in July. I have yet to get Covid. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/233 "2023-09-28T16:06:02Z")
Test negative and/or stop feeling like crap. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/234 "2023-09-28T16:19:10Z")
An employee tested positive recently. She felt 100% better three days after getting sick (though she felt near death the first two days). She needed a negative test to return to work and that took an additional 4 days from when she felt great. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/235 "2023-09-28T17:52:54Z")
My boss got sick on a Friday, tested positive on Sunday, was well enough to work a full day remotely on Friday, and tested negative on Monday. He still had a cough on Wednesday. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/236 "2023-09-28T18:16:32Z")
Consider getting Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. Both require a prescription but you probably don’t need to do more than phone your doctor for it. They supposedly reduce severity and length of COVID although it seems no one is 100% on that. Ask your doctor. FWIW my prescription for it was free. Didn’t even give my insurance for it (not sure how that worked but not complaining). As for how long…it seems all over the place. I had a relatively mild bout that lasted three days of feeling bad and a week or a little more where I tested positive. Was it the Molnupiravir I took? My vaccines working? A weak form of COVID? Luck? Something else? I have no idea but happy it was not too bad. Of course, YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/237 "2023-09-28T18:28:14Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Consider getting Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. Both require a prescription but you probably don’t need to do more than phone your doctor for it. I don’t qualify under guidelines, as I’m not severely immunocompromised, have COPD or athsma requiring hospitalization in the past year ( or a host of other serious medical conditions. I’m on day 3 of symptoms, 2 since I tested positive and feeling better already. Just took the dog for a walk (with mask on - me, not the dog). I wonder how long this cough will linger though… ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/238 "2023-09-28T18:31:46Z")
I qualified for Molnupiravir because I am 56 and overweight (not a lot overweight…usual middle-aged overweight but still overweight). I got a prescription for Molnupiravir online at the site linked below: - [Prescription Covid-19 treatment for $15 - Dr. B](https://hidrb.com/covid?utm_source=google&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=pax-brand&utm_term=how%20to%20get%20paxlovid&content=searchad&gad=1) Since you are feeling better already probably not worth the hassle. (There’s some question whether they work at all.) ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/239 "2023-09-28T18:33:02Z")
I’m not sure if they do international shipping… ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418/240 "2023-09-28T20:10:13Z")
I would doubt it. You’d need your local doctor to call in a prescription in your country (I’d think…never actually tried that). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-did-you-hold-out-against-covid/968418.md?page=13)