CHICAGO, Illinois — More than 9,000 people in Michigan have tested positive for COVID-19, and thousands are taking on the difficult journey of recovering.
Andy Hall, originally from Big Rapids, tested positive for COVID-19 after displaying symptoms. Hall first developed a headache, which was unusual for him.
"I knew this was different," said Hall. "I knew that very first day, without a doubt it is nothing like the flu."
Shortly after that, he was admitted to Rush Hospital in Chicago. During his week-long stay, his condition worsened to the point that doctors were considering transferring him to the Intensive Care Unit.
"Just take the sickest point you’ve ever been in your life right, the worst you’ve ever felt, and then do that for 2 straight weeks with like a 100 pound weight on your chest," said Hall. "You’re just lying there, trying to figure out what is going to happen next. Is your oxygen going to get better or is it going to get worse? It’s a pretty scary time."
Eventually, doctors were able to reduce his oxygen levels and take him off his oxygen supply entirely. Hall returned home on Tuesday, unsure what the recovery journey will look like next.
"It’s going to take awhile to get back to normal for sure, and they’re not even sure yet if there is going to be potentially permanent lung damage," said Hall.
For those who believe the condition is like the flu, Hall warns them that the virus affects everyone differently and can have grave impacts. He asks everyone to take the virus seriously.
Hall remains at his Chicago home, recovering. He still finds it difficult to breathe or for instance, go up and down a flight of stairs.
