How the Covid-19 Trauma Started
In 2020, COVID-19 came like a wave and our lives were steered to a new normal. Masks and sanitizers suddenly became new vitals of our daily lives, no less than oxygen. Immunity became the most sought-after word on the internet. But what was it? A monster or some kind of supernatural creature from some Hollywood movie? No! It was just a submicroscopic parasite ‘a virus’ which cannot even reproduce on its own and is even invisible to our eyes. But it traveled almost the entire world within a few months of its outbreak and a global health emergency had to be declared as it posed a serious health threat to mankind.
The spread of this virus was like a killer wave in the ocean, sweeping away everything coming in its path. No scope of mercy for any age group. I too had unexpectedly become prey of this deadly virus. But you know we humans amazingly have a more powerful ability to deal with this invisible enemy, and yes we all know it as our inborn immunity.
I am writing my story of COVID-19 journey, as a WIFE and a MOTHER of a five-year-old.
After one year of enough measures and precautions, we managed to dodge this virus and lived with a constant apprehensive thought in mind that what if it catches us. And then in Jan 2021, without making any noise, very silently it was right there inside our house. One day my husband, who is a fitness freak, suddenly complained of mild body ache and headache, and his temperature was around 101 F. I found this quite unusual of him and realized that it’s the time for the test which we were considering the most fearful thing for the entire last year. The very next day his test result came POSITIVE. I believe that he probably contracted this disease during the frequent visits to hospital for his father’s emergency treatment. And the very first thing in my mind was how can I protect my little 5 year old from this alien virus. In the back of my mind, I knew that probably I am also not spared by this virus. It is already there inside me and trying to make me physically weak and succumb to its savagery. But I didn’t let my mind bogged down with the fear that I am ill and helpless. My mind refused to surrender and I chose to be a pillar of strength for my family.
After eight days of my husband’s test, I also tested positive. (nonrelevant info in the report has been kept hidden)
How did I tackle it?
Till the time my test was positive, I had been working round the clock to take care of my husband and the younger one. I did every possible thing within my capacity to maintain the isolation measures and protect my child from the infection. It required a great deal of effort to keep myself distanced from my little one. I became super conscious and kept wearing double masks day and night. I used to be wearing double masks even when I was sleeping with my toddler. I used to eat my food in a separate enclosed room. I used to wash my hands countless times a day. And you know, I was successful in protecting the apple of my eye. My deep efforts to keep away this infection from my child had paid off. Thankfully my child’s test was negative despite me feeding her, sleeping with her, and being with her 24×7. However, as per worldwide published researches, children have lesser chances of contracting this disease, and even if a child somehow contracts this virus, symptoms are going to be on a milder side. But being parents, we cannot take this disease so simple and granted for our little munchkins as a matter of fact that this diminutive non-living creature has brought the global health system to its knees.
Recovery
And then after twelve to fourteen turbulent days of infection, our journey ended without any unpleasant experience. My husband had a slight raised temperature i.e. 98-100 F for a few days, and I only experienced fatigueness for 3-4 days. I believe that the majority of people who don’t have any other serious illness would overcome this disease without any significant complication. Our biggest strength throughout this journey was the strong determination to fight back this disease, and the constant support of our closed ones helped us in reinforcing our strive to overcome this unexpected situation.
This journey made me realize certain things which I would put in simpler words, that mental stress of having this disease is more dreadful than actual physical complications. So, keep the mind calm yet remain alert and conscious. It’s a long term disease, so have a lot of patience. And above all, keep no space for the thought in mind “Why me”. We followed the simple homely measures during our COVID time, apart from Doctor’s consultation.
- Tried to remain hydrated by drinking a lot of lukewarm water, ORS water and coconut water.
- Took supplements like Vit C, Omega-3, multivitamin with Zinc daily, and Vit D on a weekly basis.
- Had giloy juice and a lot of tomato and chicken soups.
- Took frequent steam.
- Kept checking oxygen and pulse levels twice a day.
- Did pranayama for at least 20-30 minutes.
Post-COVID recovery
I and my husband both tested negative within 17 days of the initial diagnosis. And now we are in the post-COVID recovery phase. It’s been seven days of being negative, and I am back to my professional life and doing perfectly fine. I know that I am physically doing great, but being pragmatic I also know that my body has gone through an invisible battle with an invisible enemy in the past two weeks which is considered a long time. Now, assessing how much wear and tear has happened to my immune system in that long fight, becomes a real matter of concern, this is because we superficially cannot see the internal damage to our body.
As a COVID survivor, I consider the recovery phase is the most important part of this journey. And this journey only ends when you reach the destination i.e. a hale and hearty body which is again fully equipped to fight back any enemy coming on its way. Till that time, our body needs great and consistent support in its rejuvenation process. There are a lot of articles and information on the internet to enrich our knowledge about post COVID measures. Therefore, there are certain things that I am religiously taking care of without any negligence.
- I am maintaining the same regime of supplements i.e. multivitamin, Vit C, Omega 3 and Vit B-Complex.
- I have increased my intake of fruits and green vegetables which was comparatively lesser before COVID.
- I take steam at least 2-3 times a week.
- I am regularly taking coconut water which I never forget to carry with me to my office also. It really gives a refreshing feel and keeps me hydrated for a longer period of time.
- Protein diet is very important for rejuvenating damaged cells. Being a non-vegetarian, I am regularly eating eggs and having chicken soups.
- I have increased my Sun time for VIt D which I had never paid a heed before COVID. Vit D is a major player to regulate the immune system to fight back viral infections.
- And the most important thing, I am trying to avoid physical stress by curtailing household work. I think some work can be avoided and done later also.