My Covid diary: Former YOU editor Linda Pietersen relives being knocked down by Covid-19 and shares advice on what helped her cope

Former YOU editor Linda Pietersen was knocked down hard by Covid-19. She relives those dark days and shares some advice on what helped her cope

"It's the week before Christmas. Ten members of my extended family are coming on Christmas Eve for an early evening of festive cheer and everything is ready: sparkling wine bought, menus discussed, tree trimmed and gifts wrapped for grand-nieces and -nephews.

Then I wake up with a sore throat. I suffer from them often and take my usual meds, but it gets worse. I call the family and give them the lowdown. I don’t think it’s Covid, I say. I don’t have a temperature. I can still taste and smell – it’s just my throat. But if you want, you can cancel.