How did Guatemala deal with COVID-19? I had COVID-19 twice. I was fortunate that, for my age, it was like a serious cold.
How did Guatemala deal with COVID-19? I had COVID-19 twice. I was fortunate that, for my age, it was like a serious cold. The words below, I feel, are relevant to how I made it and why. Nothing about politics or conspiracy theories.
My current state of dealing with long-term COVID-19 symptoms or after-effects.
Mine are sleep disturbances and no sleep. memory called brain god, and vertigo inner ear inflammation. I have been fortunate to have had only these to deal with; others are far worse.

The Guatemalan President announced the complete closure of Guatemala, effective immediately and lasting through Monday, May 18, at 5:00 a.m 2020: A complete closure of all land, air, and sea borders will be implemented.

On September 18th, 2020, Guatemala gradually reopened with relaxed restrictions for international travel, but still with requirements like health checks and travel documents. This date might be closer to what you consider a true “reopening” after the initial strict closure.

For the next five months, I was isolated; not by choice, our travel restrictions were clear. From Fridays at 5:00 p.m. until Mondays at 5:00 a.m., we could not leave our homes. Market days were limited to where you lived, masks were required, and sanitary stations were everywhere. Restaurants were open. However, I live on Lake Atitlan, where the economy thrives on tourism and the borders are closed to tourists.

My long COVID-19 came on in late 2020 and was fully on in 2021. As most of you who have read this and are dealing with it know, they compound your life—no sleep, brain fog, why did I walk to town as I staggered around like a drunk? Thank you, Vertigo.

I decided to break these issues down into parts and see if I could solve them. The lack of sleep of those suffering from this was very hard on me.

I decided to attack sleep first. I am not recommending or condoning this, but medical marijuana is legal in many US states. A dear friend made CBD oil. I asked her about sleep, and I did not want strong over-the-counter medications. I also changed my routine, started winding down earlier, turned everything off, and watched a mindless movie or documentary. Within a couple of weeks, I was getting reasonable sleep, not perfect, and I was no longer exhausted. Today I slept well.
 
The fog in the head Most days, I have a lot to keep track of. This was quite messy and annoying. Every night I would send myself a list of things I needed to get done the next day, including walking to the food market.
Notes: I met some folks whose names I could not recall. I’m grateful. I made use of my phone. I would have texted myself before the meeting. I tried to switch anything on by playing some computer games for my mind to return. I was introduced to a cocktail of vitamins—choline, vitamins, and iodine—in a few drops of water. I still struggle with memory; it was much better than it was.
Vertigo is directly related to inner ear damage; COVID-19 can affect the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance and equilibrium.
Inflammation: Inflammation caused by COVID 19 can affect various parts of the body, including the inner ear and nerves involved in balance.

I am surrounded by Mayan medicine; women practice natural healing. Christina is one. On my first visit, I had my ears candled to clear them of stuff. Christine put together herbs, drops for my ears, and teas.

Slowly, the vertigo changed, but recently it has taken a turn in a different direction. Before I was aware of it coming on, I stopped and gained control. Now it hits hard, and I have very little time to react. Narrow alleys, and if I wear sunglasses. Go figure.

I offer these thoughts for others to not so much consider as an option.
One size does not fit all.