Hastings woman's warning after Covid-19 left her in a critical condition

Victoria Robbins, 41, who contracted the virus before the UK-wide lockdown was implemented by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said she almost died from it.

She said her initial symptoms included a cough and fever which came on fast. During that time, she said it felt like her brain had switched off 70 per cent of her lung capacity to breathe.

"I didn't feel like I had a cold, chest infection or any kind of flu," she said.

"Weirdly though, I could feel the virus rushing around my body. Then a few days later I had ultra-sensitivity to light, a terrible headache that didn't go away and an instant loss of taste and smell."

Victoria, a freelance artist and illustrator, said she was then taken to hospital in an ambulance while being administered oxygen.

She added: "At the hospital I was critical on arrival and straight away they tested for Covid-19 but they were also worried symptoms pointed to other infections such as meningitis, so they started me on IV antibiotics, paracetamol and fluids instantly.

"I went for an x-ray that showed pneumonia in both my lungs that apparently is caused by the virus. I was completely taken aback.

"I was very unwell so I was kept under the care of the ICU team but I was kept in an isolation room on the Newington Ward, where the care was phenomenal. They did everything they could to get my temperature down and oxygen levels up.

"One of the ICU doctors spoke to me about the need to be ventilated but I was determined to fight harder than I had ever fought before. The team supported my will to stay off ventilation and do anything to fight the virus.

"When my temperature hit 40.8 it was their care that kept me going, even to the point that one of the people caring for me took my hand (in gloves of course) and told me, now was the time to start praying."

Victoria said she was moved to a specialist ward and into another isolation room after she tested positive for the virus.

She had also contracted food poisoning, while trying to fight the virus at home, as a consequence of losing her taste and smell.

After eight days, Victoria was well enough to leave hospital but said some people lost their lives as a result of the virus.

She added: "With the amazing care of everyone at the Conquest Hospital, my utter determination and the love and positivity of my family and friends, I was able to beat the virus. I could manage phone calls to my twin and she would keep me calm, focused and supported me through the darkest loneliest moment.

"I was to be one of the lucky ones to leave hospital eight days later. Sadly whilst I was there some people lost their battle to the virus and I witnessed the intensity of what the staff were having to go through. The day I left hospital the ward was like something you see in films and must have been so harrowing for the staff but they wheeled me out with smiles and all of them stayed positive the whole time I was there."

Now out of hospital, Victoria has urged everyone to listen to the advice and to stay at home, especially over the Easter weekend.

"This can and could happen to you," she added.

"I got this at a time when we weren’t in lockdown and I now truly believe that if we stay home and social distance we will not only keep ourselves safe but also our communities.

"There is a simple science to this, stay home and it stops the spread of this horrendous virus.

"I nearly died and others have, we all need to take this seriously and stay at home. Many have to go out for supplies, to brave work or like my family - care for me who is still unwell - so if you are out please keep your distance! Research shows distance equals safety.

"Stay safe, stay home. It will save your life and also support our NHS."