COVID symptoms Paxlovid prednisone how long until feeling better?

[Shadowcat04]

I tested positive for COVID one week ago after returning from a trip to Hawaii (first vacation in 2 years!). My asthma doctor was all over it and made sure I got my biologic (Tezspire) shot and antiviral medicine (Paxlovid) and upped my prednisone from 30 mg. to 60 mg. And, they prescribed cough med with codeine. I have severe persistent uncontrolled viral-induced asthma and (so far) this is the first virus in 2 years that I haven’t been hospitalized for. I am now done with the antivirals. I am still very fatigued, I have a congested cough, some shortness of breath and I have some odd muscle achyness. I’m wondering about other people’s experiences. I’m going to call my doc tomorrow morning and am so happy to not be in the hospital and probably need to be patient. Luckily, I’m a teacher and still have 3 more weeks of break. Still, any shared experience would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Beefull8]

Glad you are ok and didn’t need to be hospitalized. I don’t know if I can offer much help except that I live in Hawaii and got covid (I think) recently for the first time and have asthma. I had a negative test though so not sure. But I was very fatigued to the point where moving around left me short of breath for 8 days. I didn’t call my doctor and didn’t use my inhaler. It did take me additional week after the 8 days to stop feeling so tired though.

[Evie3]

So sorry for you. Bet the holiday was worth it tho. Hope your chest clears soon 🤞

[Gareth57]

good luck with the recovery, but don't try and do too much too soon it can be a long recovery from covid even after you feel well. I found for a long time I was easily fatigued.

[Mandevilla]

If it's only a week since you tested positive, it's not surprising you are still coughing, tired and achey. I found it took me a few weeks to feel normal again, so I wouldn't worry at this stage as long as you are not getting worse. Just go steady - stop whatever you're doing before you feel tired and get lots of rest. Trying to push yourself just makes recovery take longer.

[ForestFreda]

Hi Shadowcat. So sorry your lovely holiday ended this way. I assume you have been Spring boostered as well as getting the antivirals quickly. I think you can expect to be tired and breathless for at least a couple of weeks. Do you have a sats meter, I would keep an eye on your oxygen saturations. If they are persistently 92 or lower on the blower as you need an admission for oxygen. Take it gently and a fan blowing to your face may help with the breathlessness. Its good that its not so hot here now!

[Shadowcat04]

Thank you for the responses. Hawaii was amazing (if a little tough at times- humidity and a lot of walking). I’m so glad I made it and had the time with my family before my youngest goes away to college in a few weeks. My doctor confirmed that I have more recovery to go. She had me lower the prednisone to 55 mg (from 60) and continue RX cough med, nebs and all other asthma meds and to continue rest and recuperation. I am still tired, coughing and breathless- but not worse. My pulse ox has not gone below 94- that’s low ish for me, I’m usually 97+, even when I’m struggling. It takes me quite awhile to tank. I’m hoping things just keep getting better.

[Loveducks]

Hi, unfortunately you do have to be patient. I got it for the first time in December and was 2 weeks in bed. I went upto 50 prednisone as that is all my body can cope with. We are now in August and I am finally starting to feel really better. I was very tired and my left lung was painful for ages. I slowly reduced week by week 5mg and now successfully on 15mg a day, which through advice on here, I take 10mg around 6am then 5mg at 3pm and it seems to really keep me going. I did steam as well and was doing nasal rinses. I also started taking a vitamin B complex and drank more water (always being told I don't drink enough lol) and was making healthy soups for a while too. Wishing you feeling your normal self soon xxx