In his first interview since being diagnosed positive for the coronavirus, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, talked about his experience as he recovers in his Butler home.

According to the congressman Friday, he is about seven days into his recovery, and he has at least another week or more to go.

“I'm starting to feel a little bit better,” Kelly said. “It's coming along. It's slow.”

Having tested positive last week, Kelly said he experienced symptoms associated with the coronavirus, including fever, loss of appetite and muscle spasms, among others. He said he also lost his sense of taste and almost 25 pounds in the 10 days he's struggled with the virus, but he did not experience respiratory problems like many others who have had COVID-19.

“Basically it's like a more severe flu than I've ever experienced in my lifetime,” Kelly said. “(I'm) just flat -out exhausted.”

Kelly said he has been receiving “exceptional care” from the staff at Butler Health System, and credits his primary care physician Dr. William DiCuccio for reaching out to him and referring him to the outpatient testing site on Brady Street.

“The more I talked about (my symptoms) he said, 'Ya know, I'm going to get you checked,'” Kelly said. “I was really appreciative of the job they did up there.”

While at home, he has focused on healing, his faith and his work. He has been watching Mass on TV, although he misses his regular visits to church.

As for work, he said he stays active at home and his staff also has shifted to working remotely.

“That made me feel good because my main concern was that people will have a lot of questions,” Kelly said.

While Kelly's constituents have been one of his key concerns, they have also been key supporters in his recovery.

“People calling in wishing us well, praying for us, not only constituents here but my colleagues and fellow congressmen on both sides of the aisle,” Kelly said. “Our constituents have really been over the top.”

Kelly said this has motivated him all the more to continue working for them, even if he can't speak to them face-to-face.

“We're making sure we stay in touch with all our constituents,” he said.

As the last week has progressed, he has come to understand the context of a national discussion from the perspective of the afflicted.

“It gives me a feeling of how debilitating this is for people,” Kelly said.

He and his wife have not been able to see their 10 grandchildren, something that will likely continue until he is healthy. He said he has relied on neighbors and friends who shop for their groceries and deliver them at their door. He said his wife has been his greatest caretaker.

“My wife has been phenomenal through this whole entire process,” he said.

As he sees the toll this virus can take on its victims, he said he can see how the emotions of it can affect someone decision making. He said he also can see why it is so important to remain objective moving forward.

“Not knowing which way this is going is the hardest part,” Kelly said. “When we see what we're facing, we can make objective decisions.”

Kelly said to do his due diligence in understanding the problem as he continues to make decisions on behalf of his constituents, who he commended for their effort in trying to contain this pandemic.

“I've been impressed with the number of people who have bought in early,” he said. “From that standpoint, the community has been very responsive.”

Kelly said the leadership of the county and its health officials has also been paramount to the county's management of the virus.

“I don't think you can ask for better leadership,” he said.

Kelly said America and its citizens will survive this crisis, but it will take everyone doing their part to limit the damage. He said also he wants to remind people they can turn to whatever faith they have in a time like this, when things seem uncertain.

“This is certainly generational for most of us,” he said. “This too shall come to an end at some point.”