EXCLUSIVE Terri Dwyer: ‘I miss hugging my family now I’ve got coronavirus ’

This is an extremely testing situation for everyone with many of us already in self-isolation amid fears around COVID-19.

I have the virus and have been in total isolation for a week. It started with what felt like the flu, aches and pains in my muscles and limbs, and then began suffering a horrible dry cough. I spoke over the phone to doctors and nurses who told me they believed I had coronavirus and they gave me advice for the next few weeks, especially around how to self-isolate.

I’ve got two sons – Caiden, 14, and Kylan, ten – with my husband Sean, who I’ve been married to for 15 years. And my family have been taking amazing care of me – not physically of course, as I’m in isolation. I’ve been living in my bedroom for a week. Sean is sleeping in the spare room and no-one is coming near me. Sean will leave my meals outside the door and I’ll eat them alone – although I haven’t got much of an appetite. I’ve been having nutrient-rich food, like fruit smoothies and vegetable soups. I’m also taking vitamins and echinacea tablets to ensure I’m getting my immune system as strong as possible to fight it.

While physically this virus feels awful, it’s also really tough emotionally. The worst thing is not being able to hug my family and it’s been really upsetting. My sons walk past my room and they’ll shout 'hello', and we’ll still talk through the door. Even my little puppy has been howling outside my door! I’m so grateful that my amazing husband has been holding the fort, but it’s been so hard not being able to see my family every day.

I feel pretty awful, but I think I’m coming out the other side of it now. The advice I’d give anyone suffering from it is obviously to completely isolate, stay rested and constantly sip water to stay hydrated. I’ve also found steaming my throat with either a steamer or a bowl of hot water to be really helpful.

And to anyone not suffering from it - please take this seriously! Practice social distancing - just a few weeks ago I was at the TRIC Awards, and I scoffed when someone questioned whether we should hug each other or not. If we all follow the advice of experts, it’ll be ok. We’ll make it through – just being as sensible as possible will make this testing time as easygoing as possible.

'We need to support each other'

It’s an uncertain time and the stress and anxieties mean that we can take it out on our loved ones. I adore my family, but we’re not all used to living in each other’s pockets. I think the most important thing we can all do at the moment is talk – communicate our feelings, talk about our worries and be honest when we want some time to ourselves. If adults are feeling a bit nervous, then imagine how kids will be feeling. It’s no wonder there may be a few grumpy teenagers at the moment and there can be some arguments.

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For those not ill or infected, this lockdown period is a good excuse to spend quality time as a family and tick off some things you’ve been wanting to do with them for a while. For example, once I’m better, I’m going to teach my eldest to cook some of my favourite pasta dishes. I've spent the last few months working in overdrive - I've recently starred in and produced a film called 'Break', out later this year, so a lot of my time has been spent working on that.

With my husband, recently our conversations have been dominated with the kids, their plans, who’s doing the school run – so now it’s a good time to reconnect. Take care of each other, talk and be open. While it’s easy to get on each other’s nerves at this time, we really do need to all rally together and support each other.

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If I ruled the world...

I’d make everyone mortgage free – this is usually the biggest debt for people, and it’s hard for young people these days.

And I'd make rudeness a criminal offence – it’s not necessary and if we were all a bit kinder, the world would be a better place.

Terri stars in and has produced upcoming film Break, which will be available in cinemas later this year. For more info, please follow @BrEAK_Film on Twitter****, and @breakukfilm on Instagram and Facebook

Terri says, “It was amazing working on Break - I’m usually used to being in front of the camera, so to be behind it was great, but tough. I completely appreciate all the hard work that goes in behind the scenes now, having experienced being a producer myself.”