Ascension St. Thomas Health's Mike Carlton says COVID-19 is no "normal flu or virus". The 61-year old hospital employee just finished his battle with the coronavirus, and is concerned that some people aren't acting with enough caution.

He notes, "For twelve straight days, I had a high fever and difficulty breathing, as well as extreme anxiety and terrible nightmares caused by the lack of oxygen. I thought I would die."

Mike warns that COVID-19 hits hard and fast.

On Friday, March 20th, he had a normal day at work and then enjoyed a date-night dinner with his wife.

Just after the couple returned home, Mike felt like he was "hit with a vengeance"--a searing headache, nausea, fever, and gastrointestinal issues that he chalked up to a stomach bug.

When his symptoms persisted for several days, Mike decided he'd play it safe by getting tested for Covid-19. He failed his first test and, safely assuming he was negative, he continued his normal routine.

By March 28th, Mike was so sick that his wife rushed him to the hospital. A second test confirmed that Mike was positive for Covid-19.

He spent several days in the hospital--too feverish and disoriented to respond to texts from his loved ones and scared that he'd be put on a ventilator.

On his fifth day at the hospital, Mike's fever finally broke. As his fever subsided, so did the headaches, nausea, and nightmares. He returned home on April 4th but spent the next several days on oxygen.

Mike explained, "It is remarkable how much Covid-19 wears you out. I would have to sit-down immediately after walking across the room."

Mike's wife slept in the guestroom and the couple was forced to lead two separate lives as Mike recovered. They ate meals in shifts and wore masks around the house at all times. Mike was unable to see his 86-year-old dad, his adult children, or his grandkids and he spent most of his time on the back porch, grateful for good weather.

Thankfully, Mike is now fully recovered and has returned to work. He can eat meals in the kitchen with his wife again and can enjoy longer walks around his neighborhood.

Still, Mike doesn't want to forget his fight with Covid-19. He feels it's important to share his story as Tennessee returns to its "new normal" and, in some cases, people grow lax about following the rules of sanitation and social distancing. "I usually just use social media to look at pictures of my grandkids," says Mike.

"But now, I look at social media and I'm struggling. I see how many people are rushing to get outside again and I'm afraid we aren't taking Covid-19 seriously enough. We can't be careless, or it will cost lives. I barely made it. Most of us have someone in our families who wouldn't make it if they got sick. For me, that's my dad. I owe it to him to speak up."