As the World Turns Star Colleen Zenk Reveals Her COVID-19 Experience

On As the World Turns, Barbara Ryan, played by Daytime Emmy-nominee Colleen Zenk, went through a series of crises including being horribly burned, nearly being hit by a charging bull, and jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. In real life, she’s tackling an even greater crisis, having tested positive for COVID-19.

Colleen Zenk And COVID

Zenk, who appeared on ATWT from 1978 until its untimely finale in 2010, revealed on Twitter that she tested positive for the virus over the summer. “I had a rapid test in July,” she tweeted in response to a tweet by actor/director Jon Favreau (Iron Man). “False negative. Had another weeks later. Positive. Paid $$$. Not insurance covered.”

Zenk was responding to Favreau’s tweet: “The White House, professional athletes, and now airlines have access to rapid testing that allows people to live relatively normal lives. Why doesn’t every American? Why don’t schools? Why don’t small businesses? Why don’t health care workers?”

Zenk’s fans reached out with supportive tweets after she shared her diagnosis. One, Linda M. Balzotti, tweeted that she hoped Zenk was doing better and not suffering any lingering symptoms. “Over 2 moths,” she replied. “Extreme fatigue. Insomnia. Shakes. Chills. Stay safe. Xo I’m a slug. And old. [My daughter] Georgia had it and over it in 2 weeks was back at work.

“Wow Colleen,” tweeted Audrey Manasterski. “I’m so sorry you’re still suffering from this awful virus. Not sure what you’re supposed to do to fight it. Get plenty of rest and hopefully the Dr. prescribed something for you? Sending lots of love…”

“Only thing to do is rest, eat, and hydrate,” she replied. “No Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve. They worry about organ inflammation. I drink water, seltzer, and juice all day.”

“What? Some how I missed this.” posted @Reynardslifer. “I was not aware you had COVID. You were being so careful. Any idea how you got it?”

“No clue,” Zenk responded. “I only went out to walk the pup. Haven’t been anywhere except the market once a week at 7am while no one there. Haven’t seen anyone haven’t been [to] the pool since March. Had to have work done here New AC, Hot Water Heater. Smart thermostat. Stayed in BR. Workers in PPE.”

In another tweet, Zenk and Beth Maitland (Traci, The Young and the Restless) connected even thought the two CBS Daytime stars have yet to officially meet in person!

“@BethMaitlandDQB We don’t know each other but I’ve become a @youngandrestless fan,” Zenk tweeted. “So many friends there. I love your work. @CBSDaytime Give my love to my old friend #peterbergman.”

“And I love yours Colleen!!!” Maitland tweeted in response. “Sending love. Thanks for saying hello and I’ll tell peter!! Xx.”

“I’ve known Peter since we were 24??? I adore him,” Zenk added. “Told him yesterday,” Maitland posted in a follow up tweet. “He sends his love. Adores you too!!!!!! Soap Hub sends best wishes to Zenk for a speedy and continued recovery. The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for air times.