The Unprofessional Guide to COVID-19
A Plain-Language Guide for Patients and Caregivers — What You Need to Know, What to Expect, and How to Cope. For Informational Purposes Only, Not Medical Advice.
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
You just got diagnosed with COVID-19. Now what? This plain-language guide walks you through what's happening, what to expect, and how to cope.
About this book
Getting a COVID-19 diagnosis is scary. Your mind races, you don't know what to ask, and everyone has an opinion — but nobody seems to speak plain English. This guide is the friend you call at midnight: honest, calm, and informed. Written for patients and caregivers — not for medical students — it explains exactly what the virus is doing in your body, what symptoms you might face, and what treatments actually exist, without sugarcoating and without doom-scrolling dread.
Reader Reviews
Brenda Walker
★★★★★I was diagnosed yesterday and felt like I'd been hit by a truck — both physically and emotionally. This guide felt like a friend sitting on my bed, explaining everything in real words. Chapter 1 alone calmed me down more than any deep breath or WebMD page. It doesn't sugarcoat, but it doesn't terrify you either. I've already read it twice and highlighted half the book. If you or someone you love just got the diagnosis, get this before you spiral.
Amanda Young
★★★★★My husband was diagnosed and I was at a complete loss. This book made me feel like I actually had a grip on what was happening in his body. I loved that Chapter 1 explains the virus without making me feel stupid, and Chapter 7 on being a caregiver made me weep with relief — it felt like someone finally saw me. The checklists are gold. I literally brought the Chapter 8 questions to the doctor's appointment and the nurse said it was the most prepared she'd ever seen a family.
William White
★★★★★It's a solid book, particularly for the first 48 hours after diagnosis, which is exactly when you're most panicked. Chapter 1 does a good job of explaining the virus in plain English and Chapter 3's symptom table is honestly the most useful thing I've read on the subject. I'm giving 4 stars only because I wanted a bit more depth on some of the experimental treatments in Chapter 5 — but as a starting point for conversations with a doctor, this is really valuable. Good, honest, non-preachy.
Shirley Adams
★★★★★I bought this for my daughter when her entire family caught COVID, and I ended up reading it cover to cover myself. Chapter 1 was the most comforting, clear-headed explanation of what was actually happening inside her body that I found anywhere — and I scoured the internet for two sleepless nights. It treats you like a smart adult, not a panicking patient, and that was exactly what I needed. The part about why you shouldn't blame yourself in Chapter 2 nearly made me cry. Highly recommend it.