When the world began to reopen after COVID-19, most people moved on—back to work, travel, hugs, and crowded spaces. But not everyone could. For Karl Knights, a 29-year-old writer with cerebral palsy and a suppressed immune system, the risks of infection were too high to rejoin daily life. While others resumed normal routines, he stayed home. For five full years.

Now, after half a decade of near-total isolation, Karl is finally taking cautious steps back into the world. His story isn’t just about COVID—it’s about what it means to live with vulnerability in a society that’s largely moved on.

Why He Isolated So Long

Karl Knights wasn’t being overly cautious or paranoid. His decision to remain in isolation for five years was based on medical advice. As someone with cerebral palsy and a compromised immune system, he faces a significantly higher risk of serious complications if he contracts COVID-19. Unlike the general population, he can’t rely on vaccines to offer the same level of protection—his body may not produce enough antibodies to fight the virus effectively.

For people like Karl, “living with COVID” isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be life-threatening. That’s why, even after the UK lifted lockdowns and dropped public health measures, he stayed home. Free mass testing ended in April 2022. So did the legal requirement to isolate if infected. For most, that was a relief. For Karl, it was a turning point in the wrong direction. He called it “a sad and frightening day to be a disabled person,” as the world around him moved on while his risk remained the same.

His decision wasn’t about fear. It was about survival.

Life in Isolation

Karl’s isolation wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, psychological, and prolonged in a way most people can’t imagine. In five years, outside of the people he lives with, he saw only three people in person: a friend, his dentist, and his pharmacist. That’s it.

The first year, he says, was manageable. There was a sense of collective experience. But once the world began reopening, the emotional weight hit harder. Holidays, birthdays, and ordinary moments became reminders of what he was missing. Illness rates typically spike during the holidays, so even brief visits felt too risky. Year after year, he marked those occasions at home.

Technology helped. He used Zoom and social media to stay connected with friends and family. He spoke openly about the ups and downs of long-term shielding, and his honesty resonated with others in similar situations. Still, he admitted the hardest part wasn’t the lack of physical contact—it was the growing sense of being emotionally left behind.

Despite everything, Karl maintained a quiet appreciation for small joys and moments of connection. He wasn’t a highly social person even before the pandemic, but the few interactions he did have meant a lot. And over time, those few became even more valuable.

Re-entering the World

After five years indoors, even small steps outside felt enormous. Karl’s first outing wasn’t for a party or a public event—it was for a writing residency at his local library. He called it “a toe into the water,” but even that came with stress and uncertainty.

He’s still far more cautious than most. His immune system hasn’t changed, and neither has the risk. What has changed is his willingness to re-engage, in a limited way, with the outside world. He knows every outing comes with calculation and risk, but also with a reminder of what he’s missed—simple things like fresh air, casual conversation, and being in public without a screen.

Karl says these early steps back into public life have made it clear how much he lost during those years. Not in dramatic ways—but in the quiet, everyday moments most people take for granted.

He’s not rushing back. He can’t. But after years of waiting, even a few steps feel like progress.

The Larger Picture

Karl’s experience isn’t unique—but it’s rarely visible. Around 500,000 people in the UK are immunosuppressed. For them, the pandemic isn’t over. Their bodies struggle to produce antibodies, meaning even with multiple vaccine doses, protection against COVID remains low or nonexistent.

This group includes people undergoing cancer treatment, transplant recipients, and those with autoimmune or genetic conditions. Many continue to avoid public spaces, limit contact, and make daily decisions others don’t have to think twice about.

Experts like Professor Peter Openshaw of Imperial College London acknowledge that some individuals still need to self-isolate. But he emphasizes that these decisions should be made in close consultation with healthcare providers. The goal isn’t to stay cut off forever—it’s to assess risk realistically and manage it with the right information and support.

Karl’s story shines a light on a group that’s been quietly navigating a different version of the pandemic—one that hasn’t ended just because the headlines moved on.

My Personal RX on Facing Immune Threats—Especially for the Immunocompromised

Even as the world adapts to life post-pandemic, COVID-19 continues to pose serious risks—particularly for immunocompromised individuals. For those with weakened immune systems, prevention isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. That means taking daily, proactive steps to strengthen internal defenses, support gut and immune function, and minimize potential exposure. Health isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about building resilience from the inside out.

1. Fortify Your Gut to Strengthen Immunity: Over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, making it a key battleground for viral defense. MindBiotic supports microbial balance and gut lining integrity—two critical factors that help immunocompromised bodies mount a more effective defense against pathogens.
   
2. Eat Anti-Inflammatory, Immune-Nourishing Meal: The Mindful Meals cookbook offers over 50 gut-healing recipes designed to reduce inflammation and fuel your immune system with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Every meal becomes an opportunity to build strength from within.
   
3. Use Immune Support Supplements to Fill Critical Gaps: Immunocompromised individuals may struggle to absorb or retain essential nutrients. Immune Support supplements provide concentrated levels of vitamins C and D, zinc, and elderberry—each known to support immune function and reduce viral vulnerability.
   
4. Limit Exposure with Practical Precautions: Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, avoiding sick contacts, and maintaining good ventilation remain essential for those with compromised immunity. These habits aren’t outdated—they’re life-preserving.
   
5. Prioritize Sleep for Recovery and Regulation: Sleep is when your body performs key immune functions. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night, and create a calming bedtime routine to signal your body it’s time to heal.
   
6. Minimize Stress to Support Immune Balance: Chronic stress suppresses immune response and fuels inflammation. Daily calming practices—like breathwork, meditation, or gentle movement—help recalibrate your nervous system and protect your health.
   
7. Stay Hydrated for Cellular Defense: Proper hydration supports the movement of immune cells and the elimination of toxins. Keep a water bottle nearby and aim for steady intake throughout the day.
   
8. Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations and Boosters: Consult with your healthcare provider about vaccine options and timing. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of COVID-19, especially for those at higher risk.
   
9. Avoid Inflammatory Triggers: Highly processed foods, refined sugars, and alcohol can impair immune function and gut health. Choose whole foods that fuel your body’s natural defenses and avoid ingredients that trigger inflammation.
   
10. Maintain Open Dialogue with Your Doctor: When you’re immunocompromised, personalized care matters. Keep your healthcare team in the loop about your supplements, symptoms, and any exposures—early intervention can be critical.

Sources: 

1. Dexter, A. (2025, March 20). Suffolk poet Karl Knights on self-isolated during Covid. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1w0yn141l7o 

Longmire, B. (2025, March 21). Man Comes Out of COVID-19 Isolation 5 Years After Pandemic Started, but Says He’s ‘Still Cautious’ People.com. https://people.com/man-comes-out-of-covid-19-isolation-5-years-after-pandemic-started-11700989