Be patient, you'll survive: Man, who defeated coronavirus, tells NewsBytes
What's the story
When 29-year-old Rohit Sharma went to London on a company project this January, he had high hopes and was looking forward to his assignment there. The stay, however, was cut short and Rohit was called back to Delhi, due to coronavirus pandemic. As fate would have it, he tested positive, fought the disease, and was discharged on Monday. In an exclusive interview with NewsBytes, Sharma detailed his journey and the long days he spent in isolation.
Beginning
Rohit was fine in London, got sick after reaching home
From London, Rohit had a stopover in Dubai and he landed in Delhi on March 18. He was asymptomatic in London and Dubai, but after reaching home by evening, he developed a fever and had shivers. The Gurugram resident went to a government hospital in Civil Lines, where he was given tablets for fever. "They initially didn't take it seriously," recalled Rohit.
Tests
Rohit learned on March 20 that he had the infection
After his condition didn't improve, Rohit went back to the facility the next day, got himself tested for COVID-19, and on March 20, found that he had contracted the infection. Dissatisfied with the hygiene of the government hospital, he got himself admitted at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram. The entire treatment cost him Rs. 1.63 lakh, most of which was covered by his insurance.
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Fortis didn't get any rebate from government: Rohit
"I asked Fortis if the government has given them any rebate, but they answered in negative, asking me to pay the entire amount. I have spoken to CMO Haryana asking if there is some refund I get. I am awaiting a revert," he told us.
Isolation
Isolation wards have 14-15 beds, laid at a distance
Naturally, Rohit is glad to be free but he stressed that people shouldn't be scared of isolation wards. He explained that doctors, nurses, and even the cleaning staff members, take precautions and don't enter the wards without PPE. "An isolation ward is just like a general ward, having 14-15 beds at an approximate distance of 2 meters," he said. No one can leave from there.
Details
There are some strict guidelines inside isolation wards
With no cure available for coronavirus, doctors give patients medicine according to their illness. Rohit, for example, got paracetamol as he had fever, and others got cough syrup. "The temperature was checked twice a day," he said. He added, "Anything that enters the isolation ward, whether it is a bottle or pair of scissors, is dumped after use. Nothing is re-used."
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Patients were asked to wear masks always, he said
"The staff changes PPE every six hours and patients get new dresses every day. We were asked to wear a mask every time, to minimize relapse. All the staff members were amicable and treated us compassionately," he went on.
Time
Rohit watched movies and spoke to wife to remain sane
All the doctor told Rohit was to relax and that's what he did precisely. "I spent my time watching movies on Hotstar/Amazon Prime. I spoke to family and friends twice a day and called my wife Meenakshi regularly. I spoke with her for almost five hours," he revealed. "It's important to be patient. Once you lose patience, you might not recover," he warned.
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The loneliness got to him at one point
"Let me be honest here, the initial eight days were pretty nice, but after two people whom I spoke to got discharged, I wanted to smash the glass and run away. But I didn't, and waited for my days to end there," Rohit said.
Reaction
Government is doing okay, but people need to behave: Rohit
Rohit has been asked to stay at home for 14 days, and he said he will meet his parents only after this "thing" ends. Though he is satisfied with the government's handling of the matter, Rohit thinks people need to behave more responsibly, especially after someone tests positive. "In my society, people spread rumors about my travel dates," he said.
Wife's statement
Some people were rude, others helped Meenakshi
Meenakshi concurred. Already stressed because her husband was in isolation, the 27-year-old said, "Some people spread false news that I was roaming about in the society when I didn't leave my house." "But, some neighbors called me daily and said 'You don't need to step out, just tell us what you need, we will bring it'." Her report was found to be negative.
Fears
He won't cross the 'Lakshman rekha' now: Meenakshi
When asked about her emotions, Meenakshi said, "You can only imagine how stressed I was. But I kept talking with Rohit and lifted his mood. My mother spend half her day praying. Thankfully, my boss was co-operative and he gave me off till March 31." She won't let Rohit cross "Lakshman rekha" now. A notice that their house is in quarantine has been installed.
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Rohit is optimistic, had some tips for others
"You know 14 days might feel a small period, but away from your loved ones, it gets depressing. The only thing we can do is to not let coronavirus patients feel lonely. Everyone needs a little support, after all," a chirpy Rohit concluded.