She Strengthens

When Caution Isn’t Enough: My Unforeseen COVID-19 Experience

I thought I had done everything right. After months of strict quarantine, I moved to Alaska for a new job, where COVID cases were relatively low. I continued to wear a mask, carry hand sanitizer, and socially distance myself. But when I visited my boyfriend in July, a surge in cases in his town caught us off guard.

A Positive Test and Its Consequences

We decided to take “just in case” tests to be safe, especially since I worked in childcare and didn’t want to risk infecting the children. The test results changed everything. My boyfriend tested positive, and I knew I likely did too. The guidelines in Alaska required me to quarantine for 14 days after our last contact, even if I tested negative. If I tested positive, I could return to work 10 days after the test or after symptoms appeared.

The Financial Fallout

Missing two weeks of work was a significant blow. I was compensated through a grant, but the organization had to use their limited budget to replace me temporarily. I felt like I had let them down, and the guilt was overwhelming. To make matters worse, I didn’t have health insurance, and my living stipend through the grant wasn’t enough to cover medical expenses.

Navigating the Healthcare System

The clinic in my boyfriend’s town assured us that their COVID tests were free, which was a relief. However, I had to take multiple tests, and the medical professionals wanted me to take both rapid and regular tests each time. The day before I tested positive, I woke up in the middle of the night struggling to breathe. My boyfriend wanted to rush me to the hospital, but I was desperate to avoid the cost and tried using my inhaler first.

The Road to Recovery

When I finally tested positive, I spent the next 12 days recovering and eating flavorless soup. The experience was stressful, and I was anxious about returning to work. I had to move my flight four times, incurring additional costs, and I still receive calls from the clinic asking for payment for each test.

Lessons Learned

It’s been over three months since my diagnosis, and the experience still haunts me. I’ve retroactively applied for Alaska’s public health insurance, just in case. Living in a small village on the coast, two hours from the nearest hospital, has made me acutely aware of the impact of inadequate medical care. My COVID experience has opened my eyes to the reality of what it would be like if COVID were to reach our tiny village. I’m doing my best to live without fear, but I’m prepared to use this experience to educate others if it does.