Representational picture. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI: I went to Iran on February 6 on a pilgrimage together with three of my shut associates and another pilgrims. We visited the holy shrines within the cities of Qom, Mashhad and Tehran and returned to Pakistan on Feb 20.
By then, the coronavirus outbreak had hit Qom – and hit it arduous. Again in Karachi, I didn’t have any signs related to COVID-19 respiratory illness. No fever, no cough, no shortness of breath, completely nothing. Nonetheless, I visited a neighborhood hospital a day after my return for blood work on the advice of our household doctor.
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The CBC report got here out regular – or excellent I ought to say. Since there was no abnormality, I rejoined the college and attended lessons for the subsequent couple of days. A physician, within the meantime, advised me that the novel coronavirus doesn’t present up in blood via easy CBC – and that I must take a swab take a look at for this goal.
That is after I began feeling dizziness and weak point. On Feb 25, I had chilly sensation in my palms and toes. I additionally began coughing and feeling nauseated. The signs raised a crimson flag. Curiously, I didn’t really feel shortness of breath till then.
A Reuters file picture of a constructive blood pattern.
The signs have been tell-tale. And my dad suggested me to seek the advice of a health care provider instantly. Nonetheless, the hospital the place I’ve had my CBC didn’t have kits to check me for the novel coronavirus. So, my father took me to Aga Khan Hospital, the most effective hospitals within the metropolis, the place I used to be identified with the COVID-19 illness. That’s how I grew to become the primary corona-positive case in Pakistan.
Instantly after my prognosis, I used to be despatched to the isolation ward the place my therapy started. I used to be identified at an preliminary stage which is why the mysterious pathogen had not contaminated my respiratory system.
Medics assuaged my fears. They mentioned the COVID-19 mortality fee is lower than 1% and that it causes issues solely among the many aged or these with a compromised immune system. “Since the immune system of the young patients is strong, I’ve good chances to recover completely,” one among my docs advised me on the time.
My therapy within the isolation ward was glorious. The docs and paramedical employees dealt with me in a extremely skilled means. I used to be, nevertheless, not allowed to see my household and family members, which was comprehensible because the virus is extremely contagious. Officers from the World Well being Group additionally enquired about my case.
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I made a swift restoration. They examined me thrice to ensure the virus is totally out of my system. And at last the hospital allowed me to go dwelling. Now, I’m feeling superb. Or I shall say I’m feeling excellent.
The unhappy a part of the complete episode was that my private particulars have been leaked to the media by God is aware of who, which created a variety of issues for me and my household. My picture was everywhere in the social media and I grew to become a pariah.
Quickly after my prognosis, my complete household was examined for the coronavirus and by chance all of them examined unfavourable. The screening was then prolonged to my associates who accompanied me on the journey to Iran and likewise the individuals who I had interacted with after my return to Pakistan.
Although my household examined unfavourable for the coronavirus, they acquired common follow-up calls from well being officers to search out out in the event that they confirmed any signs of the illness.
Now, I’m very cautious and observing social distancing as a precautionary measure although I’m completely okay and freed from virus.
I’m grateful to the Sindh authorities for bearing the price of my therapy. My father has additionally written a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to thank him for his administration’s swift response to the nation’s first corona-positive case.
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Personally, I consider the Sindh authorities deserves appreciation for its response to this world pandemic within the province.
Ultimately, I’ve a number of phrases of recommendation for my fellow residents. Though the novel coronavirus isn’t lethal for younger individuals, it’s extremely harmful as a result of it may well unfold in a short time. Sustaining social distancing and private hygiene is the one means we will comprise this infestation. So, I’d request everybody to please keep at dwelling and don’t exit unnecessarily.
I’d additionally advise everybody to put on face masks and get examined in the event that they really feel signs similar to flu, fever, or dry cough. All of us have a social duty now. We should always comply with the rules issued by medical professionals and the federal government and battle this pandemic as a nation.
Insha Allah, quickly this viral outbreak will turn out to be historical past, however solely those that stand agency in these troublesome instances will probably be remembered endlessly. I’m constructive Pakistan will defeat the coronavirus pandemic.
Narrated to Omer Qureshi.
Observe The Specific Tribune’s novel coronavirus hub right here
