Just one month after announcing she’s pregnant with her second child, olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson took to Instagram this week revealing that she’s tested positive for COVID-19.
The 29-year-old wrote in her Instagram stories Sunday that she’s concerned about the diagnosis because she’s suffered from asthma her entire life. “So this scares me a little extra,“ she said.
View this post on Instagram
In addition to her underlying condition, research has found that pregnancy can increase the risk of severe illness caused by the coronavirus.
“Not going to lie… I’m nervous knowing I’m positive,” she said acknowledging that her body is exhausted from fighting the virus, carrying a baby, and coming off of two weeks with her daughter Drew fighting RSV.
“I don’t want to get my family sick,” Johnson added.
She explained that a lot of her concern is rooted in watching a family member “fight for his life last month while battling Covid so it’s a serious topic of concern/hits home in our household.”
View this post on Instagram
Johnson closed her stories by telling fans that she’s not looking for any pity, she simply wants others to know the risks.
“Just a reminder to take care of yourself. Drink an extra water tonight and wash your hands :),” she wrote.
Johnson’s former pro-football player husband, Andrew East, also took to Instagram with support for his sick wife.
“Pray for her health and the health of the little bean and for everyone else struggling with sickness or illness,” East wrote. He also asked fans to share their stories of how they’ve been positively affected by Johnson’s work over the past few years, in an effort to lift her spirits.
View this post on Instagram
Praying for Shawn and the East family as they endure this same battle that so many have faced this year.
