I couldn’t tell my mum I had COVID-19 – Corps member
A member of the National Youth Service Corps, Ikeche Emeka , has narrated how he could not tell his mother that he was infected with the coronavirus .
Emeka , whose story was retweeted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control via its
Twitter handle , shared a story of how a 66-year – old COVID – 19 patient died six hours after admission.
He explained that he contracted the virus while serving in a health facility in Warri, Delta State .
According to him , his mother believes that having COVID – 19 is a death sentence so it was difficult to inform her until he recovered.
He narrated, “ I am a youth corps member serving in a health facility in Warri, Delta State . A house officer and some colleagues were involved in the treatment of a patient who later tested positive for COVID -19. Unfortunately , the patient died . The entire team involved in treating the patient got tested for COVID – 19 and the house officer ’ s result was positive.
“ Before the death of the patient , the House Officer already crossed over to my department ( Obstetrics and Gynaecology) for his next posting . Upon the House Officer’ s test confirmation , my entire department also got tested. The two -day waiting period for the result of the test was filled with tension.
“ The results were out , and I tested positive . The only symptom I had was a mild sore throat.
The night I was evacuated from my apartment to the isolation centres was very dramatic as my gateman kept asking me , as I was entering the ambulance if I had COVID – 19.
“ Many people including my mother thinks it is a death sentence. I knew how my mother and siblings would react to the news , so I told only my father and a few colleagues at work . Eight days after my admission at the centre , I took another test and I was positive . I felt so bad , I didn ’ t eat that day. ”
The corps member described his experience in the isolation centre as frustrating , warning Nigerians to discard the belief that COVID – 19 does not exist .
He said , “ After two negative tests , I finally got discharged. I spent 17 days at the isolation centre . It was quite frustrating as I was used to freedom and suddenly got restricted to a defined space.
“ I remember a 66- year -old COVID -19 patient whose condition was quite bad . He was placed on a ventilator and given oxygen, but these could only do so much . He died barely six hours after admission. Many still don’ t believe coronavirus is real . Some do not believe it kills.
“ Many people infected with the virus may develop mild symptoms or may even be asymptomatic . Some may infect others while they do not even know they have the disease . Unfortunately , the brunt will be borne by the elderly , immunocompromised persons , or persons with underlying ailments. I pray Nigerians to heed to the NCDC guidelines and stay safe especially for the vulnerable ones. ”
Source: Punchng.com