The World's Deadliest Virus in 10 Days

Some people may be aware that I caught Covid 19 on Sunday the 20th of March 2022. The interesting thing is those who contacted me in the time I had the virus would rush past the "Are you okay?" In favour of jumping directly into the "So... How is it?" 

For a virus that has plagued the world for almost 3 years has remained more of a mystery than anything else, and those of us who are unfortunate enough to have caught the plague of the 21st century are some of the few who can accurately document the affects this illness gives us.

No, I'm not radioactive. I've not suddenly developed super speed or web-shooting abilities. Unfortunately, my dream in living the life of an X-Man has yet to come to fruition. Instead, what I felt was a strange combination of flu like symptoms and that of the common cold. 

The day I first had it, I was visiting my parents' house. Be rest assured that I didn't know I was ill at this moment in time. I was sat on the sofa chattering away with my Dad when I began to feel a sense of dizziness. 

It was as if I was drunk underwater, but my mind was on fire and able to perform regular cognitive functions. As the evening grew later, I made the executive decision to leave and upon setting foot outside, I knew I was in trouble.

Once the cold of the night air hit my ailing body, the shivers followed soon after. I was but a leaf during a hurricane. My muscles began to spasm and my breathing came out in sharp sputters of air, the damp droplets of my breath hung to my quivering lips and the chill settled further into my bones.

As I started the car, my heating was cranked up to the maximum setting and I forced myself to stay functional as I made the perilous journey across my hometown. 

I know what you're thinking... "Ev, you were experiencing dizzy spells, shivering and almost convulsing with how cold you were. You shouldn't have got behind that wheel." And, if it makes you feel any better, I know that. But, I had to get home somehow. 

Once I breached the threshold to the house I share with my loving wife to be, I immediately ran upstairs to wrap up warm before descending once more to take a lateral flow test. 

If you haven't guessed already, then I feel sorry for you, but my test came back positive. I officially had coronavirus. The very illness that we've warned about for the last few years had finally reached my doorstep and intruded into my life without even giving me the courtesy of knocking!

I can tell you one thing, I was scared. I called my Dad and updated him with the news before then awaiting to test again for fears of a false positive. Again, if you haven't guessed it by now, then I feel for you. But it was not a false positive.

I called work and explained my situation. 

In the UK, the new rules state that once you receive a positive result, you do not have to isolate. My work agreed with me that the advice our dear Prime Minister had given us was a load of... I don't think I can say that on a blog.

The next few days following were filled with snot, coughs and a boat load of lethargic dizziness. 

One might have thought that having been in Lockdown for a year and half, I'd know how to deal with being isolated and shut away from the world. But I was with my parents during that time and now, I was alone.

My other half had decided she still wanted to leave our home to visit her sister, someone who she may not see for another few years - due to personal reasons. I warned her of the consequences and both her, her sister and her mother had decided it was worth the risk. Who am I to argue with that? 

Love makes you do the most interesting things, it alters human behaviour and forces us to perform acts we never thought we'd do in a million years. So what did I do? I supported her choice and told her that I'd be fine alone.

Thus starts my lonesomely bitter journey. 

How did I spend all this free time? Well, I did what any other young adult would do. I played hours and hours of Minecraft, paired up with a movie marathon that spanned 10 days.

The movies I watched were, in order of viewing:

1. Jumanji (1995) - This movie is an absolute classic. If you don't know what it's about, then a board game terrorises a group of people. I enjoy it, I used to watch it a lot as a child and as an adult it brings me a boat load of nostalgia.
2. Jumanji 2 Into The Jungle (2017) - When you start a series it's compulsory to watch it through to the end, so I started this labour of watching the Jumanji series and, up to now, had forgotten how much I enjoyed this movie. Jack Black's performance was my favourite of all the actors in this movie.
3. Jumanji 3 The Next Level (2019) - I won't lie, but I was a little worried to start this movie. I am a fan of Jack Black and was scared when I heard he (A white man) would be playing a man of colour. It felt almost like 'Black Face' a controversial topic that I was both morbidly interested and concerned as to how the actor and production team would work around it and I tell you, as a white man, I didn't see any racism or anything that could be construed as 'accidental racism'. I can say that I was very impressed with the actors and the movie. 
   
4. Pitch Perfect 1 (2012) - This classic goes against everything I've already said. This series is not to be watched. The first movie was the best and the series progressively declines in quality and believability as it goes on. Watch the other movies at your own peril, otherwise, the songs and one-liners are amazing.
5. The Day After Tomorrow (2004) - Featuring a young Jake Gyllenhaal, this movie is outstanding. With the same feel as the legendary '2012' I love this movie. It is my mum's favourite movie and I can honestly say it makes me feel at home whenever I watch it. So, this movie is my all time favourite!
6. Short Circuit (1986) - This movie features a robot that comes to life. Frankenstein's monster re-thought. The charm of the 80's really does show itself in this movie, but the graphics could stand up to a B Rated movie of today.
7. 127 Hours (2010) - If you're in the mood for a calmer flick, albeit more gruesome than the previously listed, this one is right for you. With a man who get's his arm trapped between a rock and a wall, James Franco takes the stage as he plays Aron Ralston in this true story. I genuinely really enjoy this film, I like how we are made to understand Aron losing his mind due to hunger, thirst and blood loss. It's truly an artful and heartbreaking watch, enough to put a smile on your face and take it off moments later. 
8. Love Simon (2018) - My only gripe with this outstanding story is the fact that one of the monumental 'Coming Out' movies is based on a cis white gay man. I don't think you could get more cliche than that. It erases the exposure of other people's identity stories by catering to the masses of teen and middle aged cisgender and heterosexual people. Although, with a bit of imagination, if you've ever been in Simon's shoes and had to come out to a bunch of people by either being gay, trans or any other queer identity, you definitely see your own struggle through the main character. Friend loss, homophobia and a supportive family is something that I can lap up any day. This movie is an amazing piece and I would recommend it to anyone. 
9. Inkheart (2008) - With the legendary Brendan Fraser and Paul Bettany, I couldn't recommend this movie any more highly. For kids and an easy watch, this is an outstanding piece of fictional film, with an original author who held such a vast imagination its expected that this movie would continue with that fantastical vision. A funny, light hearted and child-friendly flick.
10. How To Train Your Dragon (2010) - We all should know this movie. Toothless and Hiccup. Again, based off the book series, this animation is amazing. Requested by my other half, we watched this when she returned from visiting family and I am not ashamed to say that I cried during this movie. 
11. How To Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) - If we're talking about crying, this movie takes the cake. With upset and laughter, this continues the fantastical world of vikings and dragons. I very much enjoyed this movie and the tears helped to clear my sinuses.
12. How To Train Your Dragon 3 The Hidden World (2019) - Not a tear was shed during this movie, it was my first time watching this and I can say that I wasn't disappointed. This movie brings a bittersweet end to the trilogy. If anything this should've been the tear-jerker.
13. Avatar (2009) - If you want imagination and creativity then look no further than this movie. An obvious metaphor for what happened with the British, Spanish and the Native Americans, this heart-stopping movie brings you back to earth by taking you to another planet, far away. I love this movie because it holds horror, war and love with a fair few sprinklings of comedic moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. I cried at this one too, is that a surprise?

I am under no illusions that very few people seem to visit my blog, but if you are reading this, I hope you enjoyed my brief stint at entering the world of a reviewing blog. 

Anyhow, that is my journey from start to finish on my recount of being infected with the world's deadliest virus. Thank you for reading and even if government guidance and restrictions are being relaxed, stay vigilant, stay safe. If not for you, then for those in your life who're more vulnerable.

Devs out!