#TheRiskIsReal
The Risk is Still Real: Your actions can save lives.
It's never been easier to get vaccinated in LA County. Right now, anyone who lives or works in LA County aged 12 years and older is eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine at more than 700 locations. They are safe, effective and available regardless of immigration status. To learn more about the vaccines and book an appointment, visit VaccinateLACounty.com or VacunateLosAngeles.com. Continue wearing a face cover when you’re out in public, maintain six feet of physical distancing and keep gatherings small. If you’re feeling sick and you think you need to get tested, contact your healthcare provider.
COVID-19 Survivor Stories
Watch the videos on this page to hear from LA County residents who battled the virus and are now
sharing their stories and warning others to not take COVID-19 lightly.
The Risk is Real: ‘I wish he was still here’
Community leader Ever Linares passed away on November 30th due to complications from Covid-19. He leaves behind a devastated family and community.
The Risk is Real: ‘I’ve continued to experience symptoms’
50-year-old Pato Herbert was infected with COVID-19 in March and has suffered long-term effects ever since. This is his story.
The Risk is Real: ‘There was no time to say goodbyes’
Flight Attendant and well loved community leader Jeff Kurtzman was lost in July to Covid-19. His best friend Vic Gerami tells his story.
The Risk is Real: ‘I had to say goodbye to my dad on FaceTime”
Paul Foley died in April from Covid-19. His daughter Jill tells his story.
"I couldn’t catch my breath. I felt like I was dying"
Dr. Jonathan Pryor is a 56 year-old Acute Care/General Surgeon at St. Mary's Hospital in Long Beach. He contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized twice at the hospital where he works. This is his story.
"My darkest moment is knowing I could endanger my kids"
Ciro Murguitio is a 37-year-old registered nurse who contracted COVID-19. His worst fears were realized when the virus spread to his family, infecting his young daughters. This is his story. Haga clic aquí para español.
“We thought the worst”
30-year-old Javier Gutierrez became infected with COVID-19 at a family gathering and it soon spread to his wife and baby. He recovered after spending 5 five days in the hospital. This is his story.
“I was a healthy person before this.”
Shelby is 29 years old and a COVID-19 survivor. She contracted the virus in April, and, after experiencing headaches, vomiting and dizziness, was hospitalized in May. Today, she wears a heart monitor and continues to worry about the long-term impacts on her health. This is her story.
“I just thought of my two-year old baby. I thought I was never going to see him again.”
Antonio is 45 years old, and unsure where he got infected with coronavirus. He felt tired, dizzy and had a fever for two days before being admitted to LA County's Olive View Medical Center for 9 days. This is his story.
"It happened to me. It could happen to you."
In early March, Christine developed a slight fever. At first she believed she was coming down with the flu, but as her symptoms worsened, she decided to go to the LA County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. After checking her vitals, doctors immediately admitted her and later confirmed she had COVID-19. She spent 2 weeks in the hospital, 8 days of which she was hooked up to a ventilator. Despite her dire situation, she survived. This is her story.
“I thought I would never see my family again”
Jose Mercado, 47, doesn’t know how he was exposed to COVID-19, but he’ll never forget the searing pain in his chest or the 20 days he spent in LA County's Olive View Medical Center. This is his story.