Valerie Bertinelli has always been open with her fans about life’s highs and lows — but this week she shared one of her scariest confessions yet: she tested positive for COVID-19 (again).

The 63-year-old actress announced it on social media, saying her throat first felt scratchy and she assumed it was allergies. But when fatigue hit and she ran a fever, she took a test and… positive. She made it clear she’s been vaccinated and boosted, but still caught the virus.

“As much as I take precautions, life happens,” Valerie said. “I felt awful for two days. My body ached. I got scared — especially with breathing hard and feeling so weak.”

She went on to issue a heartfelt plea:

“Don’t assume you’re invincible. COVID is still here, still dangerous. If you see symptoms, get tested. Don’t wait. Protect the people you love.”

Valerie said she’s been isolating at home, resting, drinking fluids, and only leaving her bed to care for her cat. She’s also checked in with her doctors and is monitoring her breathing closely, knowing how important it is not to take it lightly.

Her message was simple but powerful — and heartbreaking: a reminder that COVID still affects us all, even those who are public, well-known, and careful.