Action News reporter George Solis recovers from coronavirus

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News welcomed reporter George Solis back to work after his battle with the coronavirus.

George joined us on Action News on Monday evening to tell his story:

I would describe my case as mild at best. I instantly took precautions as soon as I felt ill.

There were moments when I felt better and moments when I was afraid, unsure how my body was fighting the virus.

Through it all I had many friends, colleagues, and family checking up on me which I feel helped with recovery.

I first recall feeling unwell on March 21st. I had finished my report for the day I remember reciting:

"As you can imagine it will be some time before things back to normal for them."

Little did I know that would also apply to me.



Hours after my shift on March 21st I would come down with COVID-19.

To be clear, I had no idea I had the virus. I was tired but otherwise felt fine.

Waking up the next day I immediately took my temperature. A low-grade fever was reason enough for me to take a sick day.

Upon learning that I wasn't feeling great, work took the necessary precautions and began reaching out to colleagues I was in contact with.

An important step in ensuring any potential illness would not spread.

I took it again a few hours later and it went up again at that point I knew it would be best to get tested.

The next day I called my doctor and work again to let them know I suspected the virus.

I covered up and headed down to Temple University's Ambler Campus.

Despite the unknown, I did my best to stay optimistic.

"Hopefully, everything is negative," I exclaimed moments before the test was administered.

Two days later - I received a call and my suspicions were confirmed.

In the days that followed, as requested by the Pennsylvania Department of Health I logged my fever twice a day.

That was followed via telemedicine with my doctor.

There were a lot of soups and teas and rest during my recovery.

"Head hurts, eye hurts, and breathing is not so great," I documented at the height of my illness.

Documenting how I felt became difficult.

There were aches- chills, and for a brief period a weakened sense of smell and taste.

There was a lot of rest and pet therapy to get me through some of the worst of it.

After more than a week of being symptom-free, I felt comfortable enough to begin sharing my story.

I stayed in touch with my doctor through the ordeal.

I am very grateful for all the calls and messages of support from my Action News family.

It goes without saying there are people going through a lot worse than I did and if there's any real take away is this is something to be taken seriously.
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