Here's a report from someone who thinks differently about vaccinations than many here. I'm not posting to be confrontational or argumentative. In fact, I won't argue about any of it or the social policy surrounding it. It's just a report of what I've done. I don't judge people who take a different approach.
I'm fully vaxxed and got boosters through October 2022. I haven't worn a mask for at least a year and a half. I was waiting for the updated booster this fall, but got COVID for the first time a few weeks ago. I started Paxlovid on the day I tested positive.
On a scale of 0 to 10 with 0= Feeling Great and 10= Worst Flu I've Ever Had, I was at a 7 on the evening of Day 1. It was unpleasant, uncomfortable and I was definitely sick, but it wasn't awful. On Days 2 and 3, I improved rapidly ... probably with a rating of ~3.5. Day 4 was a rating of around 2 and I tested negative for COVID that evening. Day 5 was the final day of the Paxlovid prescription and I felt fine.
Paxlovid wasn't so bad. There is a bitter / metallic taste in the mouth that nearly everyone experiences as a side effect. I had that, but breath mints and drinking plenty of water helped significantly. Also, strongly flavored foods (e.g., curried chicken) masked the bitterness. I had no other side-effects from Paxlovid.
On Days 7 and 8 I was a little congested and had a bit of a runny nose, but it cleared up within a day or two. Given that a COVID rebound is not uncommon, I've retested myself a few times and have remained negative throughout.
Before COVID I was going to the gym 4 to 5 times a week and doing an hour of legit cardio (heart rate in the 140's) every visit. So although I'm in my mid-60's, I was in good shape when I got COVID. Other than mowing the grass and going for the occasional 1-2 mile walk, I didn't exercise much during the first half dozen days. I didn't want to press it. I've since returned to the gym. Due to the exercise layoff, as is typical, I lost maybe 15-20% of my conditioning, but it won't be long before I'm all the way back.
I'm seeing no evidence of any lingering long COVID kinds of things. I'm glad I took Paxlovid. I'm certain it helped. The previous vaccinations and boosters may have helped too.
So now I have natural immunity for a while, which is good. I'll get another booster sometime in 2024, but not sure when. I'll get a flu shot soon. A couple of times over the past 30 years I've had truly miserable flu experiences, so I like to keep up on those shots. I don't know that I'd benefit from the RSV vaccine. I am up to date on Shingles. To me, that one definitely seems worth getting.
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