Recovering from COVID-19 – A Couple from Kanab, Utah, Share Their Story

A Couple from Kanab, Utah, Share Their Story

By Josh Warburton

Knowing that many of our readers are concerned about the current status of COVID here in southern Utah, I recently had the honor of sitting down with Dave and Sheryl Hargrave, residents of Kanab, and interviewing them about their experiences with COVID-19. I started by asking how they were doing.

“We’re feeling great. I’m probably 60% of normal and Sheryl is feeling 100% better.” Dave said. 

“Dave had pneumonia 2-3 times as a kid,” Sheryl added as a way of explaining the possible difference in effects that each of them experienced.

While they didn’t know exactly where they picked up the virus, during our conversation they acknowledged that they had been to the fourth of July parade here in Kanab and didn’t wear masks when they were there. “We were where folks were more spread out, but yes, we were standing next to people.”

Although they were trying to keep distance between them and other people they admitted they were a bit more casual about it than they probably should have been. “I remember that we didn’t shake anyone’s hands that day, although we normally did if someone offered. But we were close to people, closer than 6 feet,” they said.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Dave and Sheryl first started showing symptoms on July 11 and 13, respectively. At first, Dave had a fever and a slight cough. Sheryl had a terrible headache. Immediately they self-isolated. They said they stayed home, started drinking liquids and called the hospital, but can’t remember quite what day they called. “Treat it as you would the flu, they told us.” When they described their symptoms to the nurse they were told “You have it (COVID-19), don’t come in.” So they were not actually ever tested for COVID-19. They said they even asked if they could be tested later in July but were told it wasn’t necessary. 

“I think there are a lot more people who have had this and have healed up than have been tested,” Dave said, he then added that he didn’t think their cases were likely in the case count for Kane County since they hadn’t actually had testing done.

They both then developed rashes on their backs and both had difficulty sleeping because of congestion in the lungs. Dave also lost about 8 pounds and has just felt more tired ever since. They continued to take their temperatures three times per day and intermittently had high temperatures.

Long term prognosis

Dave and Sheryl are both recovering well and believe they are not likely to have long-term effects but Dave quipped “How do we know? Call me in a month.” They’ve started taking walks a couple of weeks ago, working up to longer and longer distances.

Attitudes and Actions Regarding COVID-19

The Hargraves admit they were not as cautious as they should have been. “Perhaps our attitudes were too cavalier, only because we thought we were isolated from disease.” They noted that they are now much more careful and take it more seriously than they once did. “Be respectful of others. Wear your masks around people. Be smart, but don’t be crippled with fear.” Other than that they say their attitudes toward COVID-19 haven’t changed that much. “People should be a bit more cautious.” But then also added, “We’re sad that many younger folks are feeling the [economic] effects of the cure.” Meaning the shutting down of the economy.

Dave and Sheryl Hargrave moved to Kanab in February 2020 and have been married since 1973. Like a lot of people, they found their way to Kanab after retirement, traveling around the west in a travel trailer. “We prayed about it. Our kids had moved to Idaho. But God told us to come to Kanab.” 

Currently, the Hargraves are primarily concerned with getting themselves better. Dave wrapped up the interview by saying “When a vaccine comes out I’m going to take it.”

Dave and Sheryl were recently tested for antibodies and both of their tests came back positive.

As of today, August 12, Kane County has 60 recorded positive cases of COVID-19, with 50 noted as recovered, and 1 death, although as we reported last week 70 total people have tested positive at Kane County Hospital. That disparity is because not all those testing positive at K.C.H. were from people who live in Kane County, which is how the official count is tallied.

As we previously reported, local and state leaders continue to reiterate COVID-19 recommendations during the “Green” phase which include washing hands for 20 seconds, staying 6 feet from others in public, wearing masks where distancing is difficult, staying home if you’re sick, and a symptom check prior to team sport play.