‘It was a 10-day long horrifying experience’
FOR Shammi Mehra and his family, last week of July and the beginning of August was nothing but a nightmare as five of his family members, including him had tested positive for Covid and his uncle died due to the virus. He says being a photojournalist, he was well aware of the risk involved while covering the pandemic, but he did not let his profession suffer because of the Covid spread. He shares his experience…..
“It was on July 31 that I tested positive for Covid-19. I contracted the virus from my uncle who was also a photojournalist and died due to Covid on August 1. From July 25 to August 10, it was a horrifying experience for me and my family. We are a big joint family and live in the same house. It was my uncle who first fell ill on July 25 and was having Covid-like symptoms. He gave his samples for testing. Being close contacts, even the other family members underwent testing.”
“After our reports were out, it was me, my mother, brother, aunt and another uncle who tested positive and we then quarantined ourselves at different places with three persons in the house itself. The other two were quarantined at the Civil Hospital and meritorious school (Covid care center), respectively. I got myself admitted to the meritorious Covid care centre on the evening of July 31 itself and stayed there for at least 8-10 days there. Though, I was asymptomatic and was feeling well, the sudden death of my uncle and not being able to attend his last rites and the health of my family members was constantly bothering me. All I was praying for at that moment was the quick recovery of my family members.”
“During my stay at the meritorious school, I followed all the instructions of doctors even though I was feeling well. I took steam twice a day, warm water, amla (Phyllanthus emblica), vitamin-C tablets and among other things. I was in contact with my friends and family via video call and phone calls. I must mention that I did not face discrimination of any sort. My neighbours, friends and all dear ones were quite supportive and offered all the help they could. Finally, in the second week of August, I defeated the virus and went back home. Also, my family members too had recovered by that time. Things have now turned back to normal and we thank God for it. However, we still feel the absence of our uncle.”
Besides, I want to give this message to people that contracting Covid isn’t the end of the world. All we have to do is to be positive and deal with the situation wisely. Also, one must adhere to all the precautions as till day, we don’t have a vaccine to combat this disease. It is just the mask, sanitiser and physical distancing that can save us from the deadly virus.
(As told to Avneet Kaur)
