My COVID19 Diary

Biochemistry researcher Brooke Morriswood documents the progression of his COVID-19 symptoms in his blog post “My COVID19 Diary,” published on 17 July 2022 on Total Internal Reflection. Illustrated with photographs of his fluctuating COVID-19 test results, the account spans from the virus’s onset on 5 July to his recovery two weeks later. Occurring more than two years into the pandemic, Morriswood’s experience is poignant, as he contracts the virus despite rigorous preventative measures, including three vaccine doses, underscoring the lingering vulnerability even among those who follow public health guidelines.

His detailed day-by-day log captures the illness’s unpredictable nature, documenting the physical and mental toll of fluctuating symptoms, progress, and setbacks. Morriswood’s reflections highlight the non-linear nature of both the illness and recovery, emphasizing the interplay of physical discomfort, mental exhaustion, and emotional strain. For instance, he writes:

Wednesday 13th July:
No change for the better, and maybe even a step backwards. I’m feeling tired, a little bit dizzy. My head doesn’t feel as clear as yesterday. My energy levels are still low, and my stomach has started to feel a bit weird.

The diary aligns with the illness narrative genre, using vivid sensory details—from chills and sweats to distorted taste and the slow passage of time—to provide an intimate perspective on navigating COVID-19. With a structure resembling a crisis-resolution arc, the narrative transitions from initial uncertainty to moments of acute suffering and eventual recovery. Through his candid account, Morriswood offers an observational depiction of the challenges of illness and recovery, reminding readers of the virus’s unpredictable trajectory and its impact on daily life.