Roy Irons, DDS, discussed his December COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization, reports ABC/CBS affiliate WLOX.
Gulf Coast, Miss.-based dentist Dr. Irons said he developed chills, cough, and loss of taste and smell in December.
After receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, Dr. Irons spent a week hospitalized. With underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, Dr. Irons said he feared he would die.
"My chest was killing me, my system was shutting down," Dr. Irons told WLOX.
Dr. Irons recovered, and he said the experience has changed his outlook on life. The dentist is getting vaccinated and encouraging everyone to do the same.
"I don't wish that experience I had on anyone," Dr. Irons told WLOX. "Not a soul."