A COVID-19 victim’s first-person account of surviving the virus

By Maneesh Ojha

There is much unnecessary fear around the Coronavirus. Almost 99% of people in India have recovered from it. I was one of them. The only problem is that if you have some other serious disease, your health condition can worsen. 

Shared snacks with office colleague

I had one advantage. I had already experienced home quarantine a month ago because of an earlier exposure (though I was not infected). Last month, I tested positive due to one of my office colleagues.  I used to take all the precautions. My only slip was I was sharing my evening snacks with this friend. As soon as he was positive, I was nervous. I immediately got myself tested at NH Narayana hospital in HSR Layout.

Home quarantine was best for me

As it was an RT-PCR test, the results came after two days. By then, I had developed all the symptoms. However, I had seen almost all the people in my circle recover from Corona, so I was not quite afraid. I was told some not-so-good inputs about BBMP hospitals. So I would have preferred a private hospital. But people suggested that since I did not have any breathing problems, and my oxygen levels were normal, home quarantine was the best.

Oximeter and thermometer were my constant companions

Therefore, I bought an oximeter immediately after I tested positive. The oximeter and thermometer were my lifelines during this period of home quarantine, and I checked them every few hours. Through social media like Facebook and WhatsApp, most of my friend and family circles came to know about the ailment. Everyone reached out to help. It was really touching and useful, particularly since I was in home quarantine.

Took allopathic, Ayurvedic, homeopathic and Siddha medicine

For medicines, I took Ivermectin, Azithromycin (an antibiotic), HCQ (hydroxychloroquine, commonly used to treat malaria), paracetamol, and vitamin tablets. I had continuous fever for the first five days, and paracetamol was my lifeline. I also took Ayurvedic medicines like Geloy, Ashwagandha, Tulsi Ras and Chyawanprash for immunity boosting. I also took one Siddha medicine called Kabasura Kudineer Chooranam, which was sent to me by one of my MBA seniors from Tamil Nadu. One of my friends also gave me a homeopathic medicine called Arsenic for boosting immunity. So except Unani, the entire Ayush ministry was working to heal me. 

Followed a strict diet

One of my nieces, an Ayurvedic doctor, and one of my family friends, advised me on food. During the fever, it was mostly Khichdi, Moong Dal and Lauki (bottle gourd). My breakfast comprised just fruits, vegetables, nuts, turmeric milk and oats (which is anyway my regular breakfast), and some idlis or porridge. Once I recovered, I had a high protein diet of eggs, paneer, milk, almonds, walnuts, and chicken soups. I also took dates and electrol for energy. I have been eating a higher quantity to regain strength, even at the risk of putting on weight. 

Steaming and gargling four times a day

Importantly, I drank hot water almost continuously, and took steam and gargling at least four times a day  on the advice of one of my nurse friends, and a few other friends who had recovered from COVID-19. This ensured that my throat was not choked.

Isolated in my room for 17 days

Fortunately, my family didn’t get infected though I was in self quarantine because I took proper care. I was in a separate room and in complete isolation for 17 days. Only my plate used to go out of my room’s door for food  that was properly washed and sanitized. I got myself and my family tested for the second time at the BBMP Primary healthcare center in Agara. I was surprised to see a government hospital being so neat and clean.

My advice to people is that COVID-19 is not dangerous, except for people with serious diseases. However, it does impact the individuals differently, based on their genes, age and health. It is definitely a nuisance, though. Corona can be beaten with proper care. Stay safe. Stay indoors.

Maneesh Ojha is a resident of HSR Layout, and a cyber security professional for over 20 years.