BUTTE — Melissa McGregor is a healthy Butte woman, but COVID-19 (coronavirus) hit her hard recently.
“Worst body aches that you can imagine in your entire life. Your body is just wracked with pain, horrible headaches,” said McGregor via Zoom from her quarantined room in Washington D.C.
She was working as a traveling nurse in Washington D.C. when she tested positive for COVID-19.
“It’s frightening that it just literally takes your body over and reduces you to absolute nothing and you have no control over it. It comes in waves,” said McGregor.
Despite taking daily precautions, McGregor, like many nurses on the frontline of the coronavirus fight, could not avoid getting exposed.
“People need to take this seriously. It’s not influenza, this is worse than influenza. There is no vaccination for it. It’s life and death and our economy is going to suffer from this, but would be even more devastating if we don’t follow the restriction,” said McGregor.
McGregor said she’s confident she’ll make a quick and complete recovery from the virus, and once she does, she will continue her duties as a nurse in Washington D.C.
“Call me crazy, but, you know, now more than ever since I’ve been infected and I can get over this I’m going to be even stronger and more valuable to stay in the workforce,” said McGregor.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
- National Guard troops activated for COVID-19 response in Montana
- Governor prohibits evictions and foreclosures "stay at home" order
- Governor orders 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in Montana
- What businesses are considered "essential" in Montana?
- Likely take at least 2 weeks for stimulus checks to arrive
- Two COVID-19 deaths confirmed in Toole County
- 77-year old man identified as first COVID-19 death in Montana
- Cascade County law enforcement officials clarify "stay at home"
- Unemployment claims skyrocket in Montana
- Restrictions and closures extended in Montana due coronavirus
- Yellowstone National Park is closed to all visitors until further notice