Distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. has begun. It was authorized for FDA emergency use on Friday. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be sent to 636 locations the week of December 14. Frontline medical workers and some nursing home residents and staff will receive the vaccine starting Monday.

But getting sick with the virus, or knowing someone who has gotten sick or died is a present reality for far too many Americans.

3,309 people died from COVID-19 in the United States on Friday, December 11. That’s the most people to die from the virus in a single day so far. The U.S. will reach 300,000 COVID-19 deaths in the next few days.

Scientists are still learning about how our bodies recover from COVID-19.

Many of the more than 15 million who have gotten COVID-19 report lingering body pain, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, breathing problems, chronic fatigue, and even organ failure.

In this episode, John Holdridge, 55, and Marjorie Roberts, 59, share their stories of recovery and how they're coping with lingering symptoms.

You can check out our Coronavirus Chronicles video series to hear from more survivors. Get the Coronavirus Watch newsletter and stay informed about the spread of the virus.

Learn more about COVID-19 restrictions in your state here, and get experts advice on how to mitigate coronavirus risks during winter holidays here.