ItB次元官网网址檚 2 a.m. on a chilly mid-March morning, and I am tossing and turning on my bed, hoping IB次元官网网址檓 not disturbing Teresa, my wife, peacefully sleeping next to me.

Unbearable aches accompany my fever, which just jumped from low grade to 39C and persistent chills now violently shake my body. The past three days, IB次元官网网址檝e been lethargic and a little achy, but I chalked those up to a touch of flu.

Now, I suddenly fear the worst: thoughts of the coronavirus flood my mind.

The symptoms got overwhelming, and a day later, I awoke to a splitting headache and pain in my lungs. Suffice it to say things did not get better. I was forced to see a doctor. I soon found myself in the emergency department at Royal Jubilee Hospital and in quarantine.

Two weeks later, I felt better. I chalked up the lingering symptoms to the fact IB次元官网网址檇 done nothing but sat or sleep. I thought a run would be the thing to get me going. Indeed, it did get things going: my symptoms returned.

Seven months have gone by since I walked into the ER for treatment. I still have some symptoms: cough and fatigue, but theyB次元官网网址檙e dissipating, however slowly. IB次元官网网址檓 one of the lucky ones.

I still donB次元官网网址檛 know how I caught COVID-19. I likely never will.

Small mercies are big blessings when youB次元官网网址檙e a lucky one. Eighty per cent of Covidites have mild symptoms and recover in two weeks.

Still, I shake my head at those who wonB次元官网网址檛 listen to medical advice and are openly willing to take the risk of contracting COVID-19. I suppose, statistically, it will probably be fine for you.

But please also know, whatever you think of your own life and however much risk you are willing to take on for yourself, thatB次元官网网址檚 not how this works.

What you need to consider if you continue to downplay this virus is this: think about the person you most love in this life, the person you most cherish and most care for B次元官网网址� thatB次元官网网址檚 the person who you may lose.

You can say IB次元官网网址檓 not afraid to get COVID, especially after months of B次元官网网址渂ubblesB次元官网网址� and self-isolation from family and friends. But you donB次元官网网址檛 get that choice B次元官网网址� it will likely be the most important person you care about in the world, and how can you bear that?

Whatever you do, donB次元官网网址檛 get this thing. Please do whatever you can from getting it. That means practice physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask.

For Christmas this year, no one should expect to spend the holidays in a typical way. That means office parties and big family gatherings are out of the question. And thatB次元官网网址檚 not so bad if you or someone in your family doesnB次元官网网址檛 get COVID-19.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 hope. We will have Christmas. ItB次元官网网址檒l look different,B次元官网网址� provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said last week. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 not going to be a vaccine here thatB次元官网网址檚 going to save the day by Christmas. ThereB次元官网网址檚 no one thing that we can do thatB次元官网网址檚 going to make this all go away.B次元官网网址�

COVID-19 is as scary as hell.

Take those careful precautions laid out by the Health Ministry and donB次元官网网址檛 get this virus or pass it on to someone you love.

And where a mask. Just wear a mask.

B次元官网网址⑩赌⑩赌�

Kevin Laird is editor of the Sooke B次元官网网址 Mirror.