Covid-19: Individual stories of triumph which spread the message of hope

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Down with fever for three days, 21-year-old Harsh Awasthi (name changed), decided to go for the RT-PCR test. His report arrived after 48 hours. Unfortunately, he had tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

“It felt like I was tired for the whole day. I couldn’t focus on anything. Eventually, I lost taste and smell, which was even more bizarre,” he remembered.

When having mild symptoms, doctors usually prefer home isolation.

“My doctor advised me to keep checking my temperature and oxygen levels. I always used to keep my oximeter handy. Other than that, I used to take steam three times a day. I feel it helped me soothe and open nasal passages,” recalled Hema.

Recovery process

Doctors also advise eating citrus fruits as they are high in Vitamin C and boost your immune system.

Staying isolated at home is a big challenge. It can cause anxiety and also can lower healthy eating intentions.

Ria Bharadwaj, 26, another Covid-19 survivor, says: “Covid anxiety is real. Some days the anxiety was at its peak when I used to get tired easily. I knew I couldn’t do anything. So instead, I did what I love the most, making Instagram reels. How much weird it may sound but it helped me beating Covid blues.”

A lot of patients have talked about Covid anxiety. It is always recommended to take care of your health on priority. If you are feeling anxious, divert your attention to things that you like. It can be reading your favourite book or watching your favorite show. It is just a matter of few days and you will be alright.

Currently, India is going through its worst crisis. The country recorded 3,23,144 cases in just 24 hours. In such a scenario, test reports are also coming late which is increasing the chances of spreading the virus.

Paying the price for complacency

Despite having Covid-19 symptoms, Vishakha Rastogi (name changed), 28, was cynical about not getting contracted with the virus. Therefore, she kept on meeting people until two days later when her report came positive. “I think I should have isolated as soon as I started getting the symptoms. I infected my mother and sister as well.”

The government in its weekly briefing on Covid-19 said that wearing masks at home will be beneficial if you have symptoms and tested negative or did not get the report. While you are isolating at home, ask your family members to follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour.