Portsmouth NHS worker who thought she would die from Covid-19 urges public to stay at home

Janet Martin, who is a rehabilitation and reablement assistant in the Solent NHS rapid response team in Portsmouth, came down with Covid-19 in March after getting a cough.

Fast forward a week and the 56-year-old from Eastney was laid up in bed thinking she was going to die.

Janet said: ‘I was all ready for work one day and then I thought I would check with the office about the cough as other than that I felt fine and they told me to stay at home.

‘After that I just went downhill with a splitting headache and my whole body hurt. I was in bed for nearly three weeks and when I was laid there, I thought I was going to die.

‘It was terrifying and it has really hit my confidence as I have recovered.’

Now the mum-of-two has recovered and has returned to the front line, she is urging people to stay at home and respect the social distancing rules.

Janet said: ‘I feel really guilty to have survived Covid-19 as so many people have not. It angered me when I saw people drinking outside pubs on VE Day and this weekend there were so many cars at the seafront.

‘I think they believe because it has been around for a while that it won’t affect them now but it can or they could pass it to a loved one.’

It comes as this week marks Mental Health Awareness Week.

Janet said: ‘People are underestimating how the virus can affect your mental health. It hit me really hard throughout it and even as I have been recovering.

‘What got me through is the radio and listening to the birds. I had days where I thought I would die and then I would think “no I have to fight” it but it can get really low.

‘My work colleagues have been amazingly supportive. They have made me think about being kind to myself as I recover. Going through that journey has made me appreciate everything more everyday.’

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