The 49-year-old Prince George woman was one of the first in the Northern Health region to be diagnosed with COVID and the lingering effects of the disease continue. “I’m about 85 per cent better but I’m still dealing with brain fog and all those fun things that come with it,” said Serwatkewich. Diagnosed on March 18, it started with pain in the back of her throat and a cough, followed by fever, fatigue and diarrhrea. Anxiety led to severe headaches, chest pain and numbness. Already dealing with sarcoidosis, a disease that causes inflammation, especially in the lungs, Serwatkewich made five trips to the emergency ward at UHNBC after she was diagnosed with the virus, each time struggling to breathe. Twice in late-March she had to call an ambulance. Her breathing had become so difficult and she was worried it was threatening her life.