As one of the world’s favorite 17-year-olds, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg’s confidence seemingly never waves as she speaks out on humanity’s most pressing issues. So when Thunberg felt a few of COVID-19’s symptoms after traveling through Central Europe, she spoke her mind on the matter via Instagram, explaining her experience and encouraging everyone to stay at home in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. 

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“Around ten days ago I started feeling some symptoms. I was feeling tired, had shivers, a sore throat and coughed,” Thunberg said.

In Sweden, patients can only be tested if they require emergency medical treatment and those who feel ill are told to self-isolate, Thunberg explained. Since she had just traveled, Thunberg understood the possibility and severity of her carrying COVID-19.

“I have therefore not been tested for COVID-19, but it’s extremely likely that I’ve had it, given the combined symptoms and circumstances,” she said. “I almost didn’t feel ill. My last cold was much worse than this! Had it not been for [my father] having the virus simultaneously I might not even have suspected anything. Then I would just have thought I was feeling unusually tired with a bit of a cough.”

Elaborating on the virus’s danger, Thunberg described how those who don’t feel symptoms can so easily pass the virus on to those who are at risk, which makes social distancing of utmost importance. 

“We who don’t belong to a risk group have an enormous responsibility, our actions can be the difference between life and death for many others,” Thunberg said. “Please keep that in mind, follow the advice from experts and your local authorities and #StayAtHome to slow the spread of the virus.”

Read the full post here, and head below to see how to stay involved with climate strikes while social distancing, via Greta Thunberg’s Instagram.

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