Beijing gradually relaxed COVID restrictions in early December. I worked from a coffee shop for a few days, and that’s when I caught it. Today I’m mostly recovered, so here’s the full timeline.
It’s hard to avoid spreading it within a family. The key is timing infections so people can take care of each other.

December 10, Saturday — Fever starts

Woke up with a slightly sore throat. By afternoon, I felt chills. Temperature: 37°C. I isolated in my room and started wearing an N95.

The kids set up police tape outside my door with a “Close Contact” warning sign. They turned it into a game.

By dinner, my fever hit 38°C. Appetite was fine, but I had a killer headache. I managed to get a few rapid antigen tests. Results: negative.

By midnight, I hit 39°C. The headache was brutal. I had all sorts of weird dreams. The pain felt just like when I had a cold as a kid, and suddenly I wanted instant noodles or canned food. I checked online — canned peaches were already sold out everywhere (medicine was even harder to find!). I quickly ordered a few packs of instant noodles.

December 11, Sunday — Fever continues

The canned peaches and instant noodles still haven’t arrived!

This was the worst day. My head felt like it was splitting. Tested in the morning: strong positive. Appetite: still normal.

That night, the fever peaked above 39°C. The headache was so bad I could barely sleep. I really wanted fruit (if only those peaches had come).

December 12, Monday — Fever breaking

After a night of high fever, I woke up with a mildly sore throat. But it wasn’t that “razor blades in the throat” sensation everyone talks about. After breakfast, my throat felt almost normal.
Checked my temperature: just over 37°C. It was dropping. Appetite: still normal.

December 13, Tuesday — Fever dropping

Appetite decreased. Limbs felt a bit weak. Lost some sense of taste and smell.

The kids started showing symptoms. Their fevers began.

December 14, Wednesday — Temperature normal

Temperature back to normal. Started coughing up phlegm. Head felt foggy. No taste or smell.

December 15, Thursday — Normal

Temperature normal, but rapid test still shows positive (faintly). Doesn’t matter anymore though — everyone else in the family is starting to show symptoms. Time for me to take care of them.

And yes, the canned peaches and instant noodles I ordered online still never arrived!