My COVID Story
By: Kopal Srivastava
Tags: Health, Coronavirus, Experience, Covid 19, Covid Diaries

In these unprecedented times, each one of us is suffering either physically, mentally, or financially. All of us have a story to tell and an experience to share. So, here comes my version of the story. I belong to a set of those people, who despite taking all precautionary measures could not save themselves from the trap of the coronavirus.

The Background

The businesses that could operate remotely have given the flexibility of work from home even after the lockdown ended. Since my company was also following the practice so I moved back to my hometown after spending a few months alone in the city I work. Here I live in a semi-joint family (if that is an official term to use) and, 5 out of 6 family members were tested positive. Luckily, my mother who is a heart patient, asthmatic, diabetic, and zillion other pre-existing medical conditions was the only member to be tested negative. I still wonder, if it was a stroke of pure luck or if it was because we took a few precautionary measures and isolated her as soon as my father showed a few symptoms.

Whatsoever may be the case but this disease will break your heart and keep your souls apart. Although all age groups are at risk but elderly people are at higher risk of developing a serious illness. All of us were getting weak day-by-day with the impact of the virus, we had to make sure that we take all precautions and recommended medicines. Apart from it, ample rest and ample liquid along with steam and gargle was the key mantra we followed. More than physical, the impact was psychological. Our days were filled with anxiety and uncertainty as there was no proper healthcare facility available in my city.

Stressful Time and the Fight with Symptoms

My father showed the symptoms very first so we consulted a doctor online, she asked to get the Covid test done so we got it done. Reports took 2 days and it came positive so as per government procedure, the rest of the 5 family members were tested and 4 of us tested positive. I started showing symptoms even before getting tested. On the very first day, the fever was mild so I took a paracetamol and rested but by the next day, the fever went up to 103F. I was experiencing body ache and weakness along with fever and the very next day I started coughing and it was terrible. On day 4, I was finding too much salt in anything I eat. It was equivalent to having one tablespoon of salt in one bite of food so I lost my appetite. By day 5 of the first symptom, I lost my smell and taste, also my terrible cough, and body ache continued. It took two-three additional days for me to get over the body ache and weakness but the cough continued and by that time every organ of my body started paining due to the heavy cough. After 9 days, I felt a little better, I gained back my smell and taste so my appetite also came back on track. My cough continued for an additional week and it took us 16 days to test negative.

Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash

We all tried to maintain a positive attitude to fight this scary time but like it is said “All’s well that ends well”. I urge you to maintain social distancing, use a mask, sanitize, take steam, gargle, check oxygen level and boost immunity with “Kadha” even if you have not contracted with COVID-19 to keep you and your family safe.