'It just wasn't my time': 103-year-old Kentucky woman recovers after contracting COVID-19

HOPKINS COUNTY. Ky. (WZTV) — A 103-year-old woman in Kentucky is spreading hope by announcing her recovery from COVID-19.

Virginia Harris, of Hopkins County, said it wasn't her time to go.

"I was so sick, I thought I was going to die. But the good Lord took care of me, everybody was praying for me, and it just wasn't my time,” Harris told WFIE.

Harris' family said she had symptoms of nausea and an aggressive fever.

"My temperature was high, and my blood pressure was low and they couldn't get it fixed,” said Virginia.

Thankfully, healthcare workers were able to get her stable - and eventually help her recover.

Harris has three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, her family says they call her "Mamaw." She says her faith and love for her family helped pulled her through.

Health experts say elderly people are the most at-risk of contracting COVID-19.

COVID-19 Symptoms:

• Mild respiratory illness with:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Some patients have severe symptoms that require hospitalization

Here are the latest guidelines from the White House on coronavirus:

• Older people and those with a serious underlying health condition should stay home and stay away from other people.
• If you, your children, or anyone in your household is sick, you should stay home and contact your medical provider.
• Everyone should avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people.
• Everyone should avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts. Instead, guidelines suggest using the drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
• Everyone should avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
• Everyone should avoid visiting nursing homes, retirement, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.

Health officials said these are the best ways to prevent illnesses from spreading:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.