IT started with a cough but soon led to a hospital bed and fear over what might happen next.

Speaking from the Royal Alexandra Hospital, John McAllister admits he finds it hard to believe he has ended up being treated for suspected Covid-19.

The 52-year-old Johnstone man insists he has taken care to follow guidance on how to minimise the risks of catching the virus.

“It is really serious, it spreads really fast,” said John.

“I’m an example – and I was taking precautions.”

John was being cared for in the specialist assessment treatment area at the Paisley hospital when he spoke about his ordeal last week.

After a shopping trip, he developed a constant cough and then a high temperature. Soon, his body started to shake and he found it hard to breathe.

John, who is now recovering at home, said: “I’d been in the shop for 20 minutes, half-an-hour from start to finish, hadn’t spoke to anybody apart from the boy at the counter, got my messages and left and then, Thursday, I went and got the test and, Friday morning, got the result and it was positive.

“It just shows how quick it does spread and I hope people understand that and take heed.”

The Gazette: John McAllister, from Johnstone, being cared for by senior charge nurse Agnes MonaghenJohn McAllister, from Johnstone, being cared for by senior charge nurse Agnes Monaghen

Renfrew woman Irene Cairns, 78, was also taken to the RAH after catching Covid.

She was well enough to sit next to her bed in Ward 5 but was wearing an oxygen mask to help her breathe.

Irene said she was more concerned about her son than herself, as he worries about her health.

“My son is going crazy with worry,” she added. “He wanted to come up and see me. I said no way, absolutely not.”

Irene also expressed her frustration at members of the public who don’t treat coronavirus seriously.

“They won’t listen,” she said. “I just wish they’d be more caring to each other and wear their masks.”

Senior charge nurse Agnes Monaghen is among those who have caught the virus, although she was lucky not to experience any symptoms.

“You get a bit annoyed with people bending the rules to suit themselves,” said Agnes, who works in the specialist assessment treatment area – a sort of A&E for Covid patients.

“And then people who don’t believe [in Covid-19] – you think, come and see it because it is real and it’s hitting everybody and nobody is immune to it.

“Come and just look in the window and see these patients who are very sick.”