29-year-old Adrian was the picture of good health – until he tested positive to COVID-19
Waterskiing, hitting the slopes and bike riding, Adrian is a natural adventurer and the picture of fitness.
But just five weeks ago, Adrian did catch the virus.
Suddenly, a very active Adrian was confined to his small room, suffering the brutal symptoms of COVID-19. Adrian tells 60 Minutes reporter Tom Steinfort the virus wasn't what he expected, and fears others have the same ideas about the severity of the illness.
29-year-old Adrian Ottaviano says COVID-19 has been the worst experience of his life. Nine
"A lot of people still take it for granted, they think it's just the flu, you're just gonna be in bed and you'll ride it out after two weeks and you'll be fine, but I'm not. It's five weeks down the track and I still don't feel right," he said.
When suffering from COVID-19, at his worst Adrian says the ordeal was "terrible."
"There were days where I could never move out of bed, my whole body was aching, just the body was in pain and agony," Adrian told 60 Minutes.
"I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. It was one of the worst experiences I've ever been through."
29-year-old Adrian Ottaviano says he wouldn't wish COVID-19 on his worst enemy. Nine
He feared he wouldn't even have the energy to phone emergency services.
"I couldn't pick up the phone let alone yell out to my wife who was two doors down. I couldn't physically do any of that."
Enduring weeks of agony, before finally, a fortnight ago, Adrian tested negative, but the 29-year-old still isn't strong enough to return to work, and now fears he may now have permanent lung damage from the virus.
"My lungs copped a beating, they were really, really sore," he said.
"I still feel a bit weird, a bit edgy. I still feel a little bit out of breath."
60 Minutes reporter Tom Steinfort Nine
Adrian is going at a slow pace now because of coronavirus, he believes other Australians should do the same especially as social distancing restrictions are set to ease.
"If you want to run the risk, run the risk. But I'm not, I'm over it, I wouldn't go through this again. I definitely take things very differently now."
Adrian says he's proof young age doesn't make you immune from the virus and that taking your health for granted can come with serious consequences.
"People running back to the beach, or just taking it for granted, or don't know anybody that's got it, or think it's only old, elderly people that it affects the most. It's not."
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