‘Exercise & stay +ve to beat the virus’
SAVITA DHAMIJA (29) got infected with the virus on April 18. While she started developing symptoms like dry cough, lost smell and taste and runny nose since April 15, she got herself tested on April 17. Subsequently, her reports came positive the next day. Unfortunately, after four days her mother and brother also tested positive. She not only had to take care of herself but also her family. Hence, maintaining her calm she followed all the guidelines advised by her doctor. A radio jockey at the All India Radio and a teacher by profession, Savita said, owing to her profession, she had to go out and due to frequent meetings with people might have contracted the virus.
“Initially, I was put on some medicines like multi-vitamins, calcium and vitamins. Due to adequate immunity in our body, the doctors instructed to observe home-quarantine for one week, which I strictly followed. Experiencing minor body aches and weakness, I kept myself isolated from my family. After they also tested positive, we stayed in different rooms. Though we were in a little panic and fear, we preferred to focus on recovery. Motivating my mother and my brother to have patience, we remained connected. Avoiding solid intake, we tried to increase fluids and protein in our diet. With the help of oximeter and thermometer, we regularly tracked our temperature and oxygen level. However, due to the age factor, the oxygen level of my mother dropped, retained after taking oxygen supply.”
Though the recovery period feels tough but anyone can tide over the virus with little exercise and positivity, and this is what they did. “Even if we were having body cramps except my mother, we never skipped our breathing exercise and understand how the virus attacks our body through our family doctor. Herbal drinks remained a major part of our diet.”
“Complete precautions should be taken but once any symptom is experienced (varies from person to person) don’t generate unnecessary fear and doubts. Consult your doctor at the earliest, so that timely treatment can be started at once to prevent an unexpected serious situation. Proper sleep, good food and necessary amenities such as proper ventilation and TV were a big boost to keep the stress away,” added Savita, a resident of Shakti Nagar. She also recommends to go for RT-PCR test with CT value to determine the infection rate.
(As told to Ajay Joshi)
