TAMPA, Fla. — More than 530,000 Floridians have tested positive for COVID-19.
Doctors say one bit of good news is the virus has a high recovery rate.
However, the process is different for everyone. Some can get over it in days. While others, like Tampa native Marcus Tomoff, are stuck fighting it for months.
Tomoff says his symptoms started on June 8. He lost his ability to smell and taste.
“It quickly progressed from there. I got a headache, extreme chest pains, and I could barely walk,” he said.
He lost 20 pounds from fighting the virus.
“You go from average health every day to a point where you can’t do anything,” Tomoff said. “I’m confined to my bed.”
He went to Tampa General Hospital, but his symptoms weren't too severe so they sent him home with pain medication.
A few days later, his parents woke him up needing to go to the hospital.
“People don’t understand the amount of strength and overall will to get up and mentally hold myself together to take them,” Tomoff said. "That's where my entire perspective changed."
Tomoff added he was scared.
“No one wants to see their parents go to the hospital, especially for something like this,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
His mother stayed in the hospital for 24 hours. His stepfather had to stay for three days. They’re back home still dealing with the virus.
“My last test came back negative,” said Tomoff.
They’ve found support through the Coronavirus Survivors’ Facebook group.
Tomoff just launched a t-shirt brand called Life Thryvr. He said 25 to 50% of the profit will be used to help coronvirus survivors and their families.
