Staying Fit
Rita Wilson, who married her Bosom Buddies and Volunteers costar Tom Hanks, survived COVID-19 with him, and she's determined to convince as many Americans as possible that they need to protect themselves against the flu this year more than ever. She tells AARP about her flu vaccination campaign, her new record album, why nurses rock and how the pandemic has shifted her thinking about how to live life after 50.
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You and husband Tom Hanks were among the first famous COVID-19 patients. What can you share with everybody who fears it?
Well, nobody ever wants to get COVID-19, right? So I can just tell you that yes, I definitely had symptoms that were not pleasant. It was like the worst flu that you've ever gotten. I lost my sense of taste and smell for about two months, which was really odd. It was an aching and headache that I … I can't even describe. Then I had vertigo, and a lot of nausea, and it was very uncomfortable.
Many people have long-term COVID problems. Do you?
No, I don't think so. We test every three months; we're part of a study at UCLA. And we still have antibodies, but those diminish over time. We did hear from our doctors that if we did get COVID again, it would be very mild if any symptoms — if you get the same strain, I suppose.
RELATED: Find out everything you need to stay safe in the pandemic on the AARP coronavirus page.
What was the first delicious thing you could taste after COVID?
Probably something like chocolate ice cream. When you don't have your taste, you'd think that that would keep you from eating. But no, you imagine what the taste is like. So it didn't help me lose any weight or anything.
