Question of the day
Monday, Sep 21, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Rep. Sam Yingling…
Last week I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus after experiencing symptoms I thought were allergy related. The initial symptoms included significant sinus congestion and drainage. Those symptoms quickly evolved into cold-like conditions including sore throat, cough, chest congestion, headache, fatigue, and body aches.
Upon learning that I had tested positive for COVID-19, I immediately notified anyone with whom I knowingly came into contact and encouraged them to get tested. We all have a responsibility to slow and stop the spread of the virus by wearing face coverings, staying 6 feet apart, and getting tested if we have symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19.
This is a very real virus that is proliferating in our communities and residents need to remain vigilant by following the protocols outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Heath and the Lake County Health Department. This is a highly contagious and opportunistic virus that does not discriminate.
I am following the guidelines outlined by the IDPH and the Lake County Health Department. I am recovering and remain quarantined at my home. My legislative district office will remain open and operating remotely as it has been since the beginning of the pandemic.
Thank you and stay safe.
* The Question: Do you know anyone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus? Explain.
- Former Downstater - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:21 pm:
My husband’s aunt died earlier this summer of COVID issues. We’ve also had a cousin (his side), niece (my side), and a friend in CA test positive. Thankfully, they have all recovered.
- Glengarry - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:21 pm:
My father-in-law and a niece have both tested positive for the virus in San Diego. The old man is still battling symptoms nearly a month later and has been in and out of the hospital. He keeps on fighting.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:22 pm:
Wishing Rep. Yingling a speedy and full recovery.
Yes, someone with pre-existing conditions who had COVID early on and thankfully beat it. That’s the scary part and why we should wear masks, social distance, etc, to protect the most vulnerable.
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:25 pm:
Wishing the REP a quick recovery. On the plus side, His plasma just went way up in value.
- JoanP - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:30 pm:
Fortunately, I do not.
I do have a friend who was in contact with someone who tested positive, but she self-quarantined and is okay.
- Montrose - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:32 pm:
I know a few. Luckily, they all have had relatively mild cases of it. I am sure I will know more as the time goes on.
- Cubs in '16 - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:34 pm:
I know several but the most troubling is a 14 y.o. girl with Down Syndrome from Effingham Co. who’s currently hospitalized in St. Louis. Upon being admitted, doctors gave her a 50/50 chance of survival. She’s been in the hospital for nearly a month and is thankfully showing improvement but is not yet out of the woods.
- Anonymous - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:34 pm:
Know 4 people.
One 99 year old woman who spent 3 weeks in ICU but recovered and went home. Channel 20 covered her return home.
A couple we know also got it, but just recovered at home.
And a almost 90 year old friend got it, was in ICU, his one RN daughter pulled him out AMA, isolated him up in the family’s camper next to the house, and organized the large number of adult sons and daughters for round the clock care. He is well on his way to fully recovered.
- @misterjayem - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:42 pm:
“Do you know anyone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus?”
My brother-in-law, a truck driver in Iowa, tested positive. He recovered after spending most of a month totally isolated from the rest of his family.
– MrJM
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:43 pm:
Got word that a college teammate and a college coach had Covid. Coach died last week.
My Dad taught me that any gun that had been out of my sight was loaded. Now any person outside my immediate household is infected.
- JS Mill - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:45 pm:
Yes.
4 employees- two with mild symptoms.
My daughter’s mental health therapist tested positive ended up in the hospital, had blood clots and suffered a stroke. Sadly, she passed away leaving a little boy and a husband behind. She was 37, healthy with no underlying conditions. This was shocking and incredibly heartbreaking.
COVID-19 is real, it is deadly.
- thunderspirit - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:46 pm:
== Wishing Rep. Yingling a speedy and full recovery. ==
Same.
I know of three people directly in my circle of friends, and several in my circle who know someone else that has..
I also learned Saturday afternoon that a work colleague tested positive. Since I was in the office with them last Monday, I was able to get a test at one of the IDPH drive-thru locations yesterday. Neither I nor anyone in my household has symptoms, so I’m hopeful, but should know for sure in “4 to 7 days.”
- thoughts matter - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:46 pm:
I personally know of three plus 1 that had all the symptoms but tested negative. I know several people who know people that have tested positive, including 1 death. If it wasn’t kept quiet due to privacy concerns, I’d know of more of both categories. Our workplace is not informing everyone at this location when someone tests positive. People I’ve talked here know of people here who tested positive.
- Captain Obvious - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:47 pm:
1 person. Former boss. His son works in a nursing home that had an outbreak and since they live in the same household when the son was infected he passed it on to his father. Kind of surprised no one in my family has gotten it as several are front line healthcare workers.
- SchoolPrincipal - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:50 pm:
There is a person I work with in my 20 person office who had COVID. (Her husband did, too). She was hospitalized and recovered. I used to be a principal and the mom and aunt of one of my students both died from it. My 21-year old daughter had COVID during study abroad in Spain, but was not worse than the loss of taste for two weeks and cold symptoms.
- Unionman - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:53 pm:
Next door neighbor family of four got it. One died. This was back in March/April. Middle of a Saturday afternoon saw the ambulance outside.
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
I think the number is 12 now. Some totally asymptomatic. Others spent time in the hospital. Thankfully those I know over 70 who were infected all survived.
I didn’t test positive with a nasal swab but do have antibodies. Found that out after giving blood.
- Keyrock - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
The parents of several friends died in the early months, including one whom I knew well. Three cousins tested positive, but all are ok after no to brief illnesses.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
My best to Rep. Yingling.
To the “QOTD”
Know 5.
Three in one family, interesting story to that.
Parent got it at work, about 7 days to recover, giving antibodies.
Two children, college age, mild all the way around. Recovered
Spouse around all three, zero symptoms, zero positive tests, tested every 4 days for 3 weeks, as employment allowed for this type of rigors as well.
Other two, friends, they are co-workers to each other, 2 weeks, mild symptoms, both isolated a month, all 5 lucky.
All are grateful, but not one sees their luck as a norm, and worry that when they tell others their luck those hearing won’t take this serious.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:04 pm:
I know a woman in a very orthodox Jewish community who has tested positive. That could be very serious for everyone there.
- Almost retired - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:04 pm:
The adult cousin (44)of my significant other caught it early in Denver, Colorado. 45 days on a ventilator. 3 months in hospital. A month of tnpatient rehabilitation. Now home for 46 days almost ready to return to work. Most of his extended family until he caught it and they lived through his struggles where he was close to death believed the virus was a hoax. They wear masks and socially distance today.
- The W.A. - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:07 pm:
My daughter had it. Two months later her lungs are still tender. She has no idea where she got it—having only been to work and the gas station when unavoidable.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:13 pm:
I think I know maybe 20 who’ve had it at this point, including two who died - an elderly relative of my wife with pre-existing conditions, and my brother-in-law’s best friend, who was 39 and had no underlying conditions.
- Stix Hix - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:13 pm:
Sure do. I’m on the Blue Ridge CUSD18 staff. We’re shut down. Most of the positive cases of staff members and students are traceable to a staff backyard pool party and other carelessness. This is only the beginning, I’m afraid. Thanks Covidiots.
- Pundent - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:17 pm:
Know of two. One’s a relative who was elderly but otherwise healthy and ended up with significant cognitive issues that require around the clock care. The other was in his 50’s and was hospitalized for about a month with a large chuck of that spent in ICU. He still has lingering effects but the worst is thankfully behind him. He didn’t take the virus seriously until he got it. Now of course he warns everyone he speaks to. Candidly I’m a bit tired of folks that come to this conclusion after they’ve experienced the virus.
- Just sayin’ - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
I know at least 8 people. All 20-60. No deaths or serious complications. Except one friend in NYC who got it during the thick of it there still can’t smell
- train111 - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:25 pm:
I had it.
Just like Mr Yingling at first I thought I had allergies and was taking allergy meds. I was tested after running a fever.
I was 3rd out of 8 in my department at work.
train111
- Groucho - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:27 pm:
I know of 10 people. Fortunately, all have recovered and did not endure difficult symptoms.
- Lurker - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:35 pm:
I do not know anyone personally but I understand it is serious and sorry to be reading some of these stories. Stay vigilant all.
- Notorious RBG - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:38 pm:
6 extended family members (two different households). One family was exposed in June when a coworker/nurse who knew her husband had it but still - irresponsibly - went to work at her dialysis center and infected several coworkers. The other family also exposed through a coworker, though in an office setting (non-essential work, no idea why they aren’t working remotely). One family member was hospitalized for a week; oddly, his high-risk spouse had a mild case.
- Diver Down - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:41 pm:
9 known cases total: 3 deaths (all over 70) and 1 on ventilator for about a month (also 70+). Mask up for everyone’s sake.
- TheInvisibleMan - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:47 pm:
Honestly, I’ve lost count. Probably about a dozen off the top of my head. Back in May I was frequently checking in with a friend in another state after I found out his mother had contracted it. She was sick for 6 weeks, and on a ventilator for 4 weeks. There were days where I could tell that he wasn’t sure if she was going to make it to the next day, even if he didn’t say it.
She eventually recovered, and that particular incident has solidified my response to anyone not taking this seriously. You can’t watch a friend of yours spending weeks wondering if his mother is going to die, and not come out effected by it even as an observer.
Also, locally at least one child has recently tested positive, and their parents are refusing to inform the private school they attend because they don’t want the school to shut down. They are still sending their child to this school every day. A super spreader event in the making no doubt. But don’t worry, I’m sure that isn’t what is in the heart of the parent or their faith, so it’s okay to them.
- don the legend - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:47 pm:
Two nieces. Niece one works at an Amazon fulfillment center. Niece two’s husband works at an Amazon fulfillment center and they both tested positive.
- Denise - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:51 pm:
I had it. Barely knew it. Antibodies at 5.4. My husband had it also. He lost his sense of smell. We had it in April. Two different tests so we know for sure we had it.
- Not a Billionaire - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:53 pm:
Friend Grandmother died NH. Neighbors mother COPD but mild Doctors Father in Law. My age good health compared him to me but unlike me he could not resist golfing ….and the guys went to the clubhouse no masks……initially no big deal then long haul extreme fatigue. First 2 western Illinois last Wisconsin.
- OneMan - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:54 pm:
A family member got it from a roommate’s brother who came to visit. He was asymptomatic, all three roommates who are in their early 20s got sick and missed work.
- Soccermom - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 3:57 pm:
My best friend was an early case — she got it at an international meeting in Europe.
My college-age niece and nephew both had mild cases, although I worry about longterm effects.
One of the contractors working on my house had it, and his mother-in-law just died of it.
- indianbadger - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:01 pm:
Yes. I have a good friend who was one of the first people in Chicago to get tested for this in early march. Unfortunately; at that time hospitals were aggressive with intervention; so he was put on ventilator almost immediately. The problem is that he is in his late sixties and his lungs are now permanently scarred. He cannot walk for 15 minutes. Although he is considered recovered; his life is severely impacted.
The hospitals have become more circumspect with the use of ventilators since. Unfortunately, too late for my friend.
- Ducky LaMoore - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:04 pm:
Three. Two were covidiots that forced me to self-quarantine, once over the fourth of July and once over Labor Day. Happy Holidays.
- PMS - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:12 pm:
My husband and thankfully he is fine. Also our son - football player at a D3 Wisconsin State school His team got tested last week - about 50 got it, they’re quarantined in a not used dorm building. They’re not playing this fall or spring, they tested the team so they can start contact workout. Oh well, maybe in a couple weeks
- Big Mike - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:15 pm:
Friends’ daughter contracted cova-19 while visiting ISU a couple of weeks ago and infected her parents. All are okay after recovering at home.
- Stones - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:17 pm:
Yes, I’ve known several who have tested positive. My brother’s wife passed of Covid - she was only 57.
- Practical Politics - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:24 pm:
A valued friend and golfing partner died of COVID-19. He was elderly and confined to a nursing home that was on lock down. He developed diabetes in his old age, so he had one comorbidity.
We placed a memorial marked for him on the golf course after he was cremated.
- illinifan - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:28 pm:
Three, one asymptomatic and the other 2 have recovered with no after effects
- 37B - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:35 pm:
My niece, who moved from emergency room nurse into administration, was infected by a compatriot who followed the same career arc but went back on the frontlines when the crisis hit. My niece was infected in mid August and still is on disability regaining strength.
- yinn - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:36 pm:
Yes, the medical professional in our household, early July. Most symptoms resolved but lingering issues with unstable blood pressure that led to a bad fall weeks later. Some neighbors where one spouse works in a nursing home in outbreak mode, mostly severe fatigue for weeks stretching into a couple months. Several of our Latinx colleagues and neighbors have had it, and the trend is that some of their parents were/are hospitalized and fighting for their lives. I tested negative but might have gotten it anyway, if so it would have been a 3-day period in mid-July when I was fighting to stay awake during the day and my lips got super dry, cracked and bleeding like running out of lip balm in deepest coldest winter.
- Not a Billionaire - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 4:50 pm:
Sudden drop in blood pressure seems to be a symptom because of the latching to ACE. I have high BP but now controlled . Some early research indicates Lisinopril could kill you. Now we know why Covid plus Lisinopril could dangerously crash the BP.
- Bourbon Street - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 5:23 pm:
An elderly family member contracted COVID-19 in early June. Thankfully, he recovered with no ill effects and he did not need any extraordinary medical intervention. Amazing.
- stateandlake - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 5:28 pm:
My accountant got it early on and was out for five weeks. They are still recovering; spoke to them the other day and they still get a little winded going up a flight of stairs. Also a factory worker friend tested positive, but recovered fairly quickly.
- Captain Who - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 5:33 pm:
So far 5 I have known 5 people test positive 4 of which got very sick but recovered. My daughter tested positive and said she had a little congestion for one day and a little fatigue. Her husband tested negative, twice.
- RNUG - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 5:40 pm:
Anon @ 2:34pm was I. Auto fill missed adding my name.
- yinn - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 6:14 pm:
Not a Billionaire, yes we have the Lisinopril connection, which could be implicated in the crash. However, selfsame Lisinopril could not prevent a BP of 220/120 when our loved one was ordered to ER by the doc when tested pos and worried about being without family if admitted.
- Not a Billionaire - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 6:32 pm:
Wow Yinn. I went in when I spiked at 180. Sure do not want to get it . I needed a calcium channel bkocker. With it. I am at 160 after mile walk and down to 127 after 15 minutes.
I sure hope your loved is OK. I have been wearing my mask anytime I leave house and we have n 95 so if we have to go inside we wear that.
- Not a Billionaire - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 6:35 pm:
My spike was so weird one idea was an asymptomatic covid . ….It’s weird on transmission. 2 members of my neighbors family were exposed and in close contact with the mother but did not get it
This is weird as it is scary.
- Kate - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 7:20 pm:
I know several. Two of them died.
- BTO2 - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 8:13 pm:
Yes.
My father died from it last week at White Hall Nursing and Rehab. They are having a huge outbreak there, I feel terrible for the poor residents and staff.
- RDB - Monday, Sep 21, 20 @ 8:31 pm:
A community member who hosts a paid, half-hour show on the radio station where I work tested positive. No one in his family nor any of his employees tested positive, but he stayed inside a guest bedroom in his house for 11 days.
My grandmother lost an 87-year-old cousin to the virus. He was a World War II veteran who had only been in a rehab facility in Florida for a few weeks after falling at his daughter’s home where he was living.
- Samadhi - Tuesday, Sep 22, 20 @ 8:58 am:
My father was in a nursing home in New Jersey. He caught COVID-19 in the first wave of the illness, and passed away in mid May after an extended battle with the virus.