Babylon Woman With Coronavirus: $20 Purchase Saved My Life

WEST BABYLON, NY — Jen Clark, of West Babylon, and her family had taken coronavirus prevention measures seriously. Clark, along with her husband Jay and son Brody, wore masks religiously, socially distanced and avoided parties and get-togethers with family and friends. So when Jay and Brody tested positive for the coronavirus in early December, Clark was surprised.

Her husband and son quarantined in the house away from her. Clark, who is immunocompromised, suffers from high cholesterol, diabetes and survived breast cancer, so the family hoped she wouldn't contract the virus.

"Unfortunately, as Jay felt better, I started to display symptoms — mild, fever and chills mostly," Clark said. "My sister had mentioned something called an oximeter and that I should get one because it monitors your oxygen levels. I ordered one on Amazon for $19."

The simple purchase was "well-worth worth every penny. It saved my life."

On December 15, she went to Good Samaritan Hospital after the pulse oximeter showed her blood-oxygen level dipped below 80, which is dangerously low.

"When we got to the emergency room, we let them know what the oximeter read," she said. "They immediately put me on oxygen. I was COVID-positive and had pneumonia."

The doctors told her she likely wouldn't be home in time for Christmas.

"I would not be with my husband and son," she said. "I was devastated and I was mad. Infuriated that my family did all the right things but because someone else was selfish and didn't feel the need to wear a mask or social distance or needed to go to that party, my family suffered. Your choices affect other people. Your choices risk other people's lives."

On December 22, Clark was released in time for the holiday. She's continuing to recover at home and although she feels much better, she is still struggling with breathing and lung symptoms. She is sharing her story on social media, hoping her advice to keep an oximeter handy might help someone else.

"Although I have some way to go till I am better, being with [family] at home, is the best medicine. Get an oximeter and wear a mask."