“Always stay positive and stop worrying. We need to face the pandemic with a positive attitude. This is what I feel is the most important aspect in fighting coronavirus,” says Reshmi Thomas*.
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have been breaking new records every day as a second wave hits the state.
It is during the second wave that Reshmi and her husband, both emergency workers, contracted the virus.
Luckily, their two children who have been staying with relatives have twice tested negative.
“Since we had every chance of contracting the disease, every day after coming back from work, we made sure not to have close interaction with our kids. That has helped.”
As cases surge to record high, Daniel Andrews warns 'people will die' if sick Victorians don't stay home. Source: AAP
Symptoms of Covid-19
Reshmi believes she got the virus from her husband who developed symptoms first.
“Our symptoms were different from the normal symptoms of soar throat, cough, sneezing, etc. My husband’s symptoms started with a high fever and severe body pain. He was down with a high temperature for nine consecutive days. Panadol didn't really seem to help.
"He was in quarantine since he developed symptoms. However, as he was suffering from severe fever, I had to take care of him by wiping him off with wet clothes to bring his temperature down. Even though I used masks and gloves, I somehow contracted it,” adds Reshmi who believes her husband got the virus from his workplace.
Reshmi, who says her symptoms were not that as bad as her husband’s added that breathing was very hard and that there was a stage when she was not able to speak. She also told that she was unable to taste any food.
A medical practitioner prepares to administer a test on a member of the public at a drive through testing clinic in Melbourne. Source: Getty Images
I couldn’t smell anything or taste the food.
“Even after two weeks of contracting the disease, I am unable to make out any taste. So we hardly felt like eating anything. But we must have healthy food and drink a lot of water to keep our saturation level high," Reshmi said.
Reshmi also added that monitoring saturation level during this time is very important.
“When we consulted the doctor, he advised us to often monitor our saturation level- the oxygen level in our blood, which is very important when affected by COVID-19. In order to monitor that, we had to buy pulse oximeter, a device that can be easily used by attaching it on the finger.
"It is said that a healthy person doesn't feel any difference when our saturation level is low. So it is advised visiting a hospital and seeking medical help is a must, if our saturation level drops below 90 per cent.
ADF personnel and Victorian police officers are seen patrolling Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne, Saturday, July 25, 2020. Source: AAP
"So, we both used to keep monitoring this, and once I had to call an ambulance and seek emergency medical help when mine dropped below 90.
"After being put in isolation in the hospital, they took my blood test and also did a CT scan to know if there is any blood clot in the lungs. It is said that blood clots can occur during this time,” Reshmi said.
The couple also spoke about the breathing exercise doctor advised them to increase the oxygen in the lungs.
It was very hard to hold our breath.
“We couldn’t even hold it for more than two to three seconds while doing this exercise. However, we didn’t give up. We kept on doing the exercise, and after a few days we were able to hold our breath for a longer period of time.”
Support from the government
Reshmi and her husband who are still in quarantine in Melbourne also told about the backing from the government and the health officials they received during this crucial time.
“After being tested positive for COVID-19, the GP contacted the health department. They then contacted us and tracked down our travel and visits for the past 14 days. They sent us a questionnaire daily to update our health condition.
It is a simple questionnaire. We just have to click the answers online and send it back. It is according to this that they decide on the second COVID test that can determine our recovery from the pandemic,” adds Reshmi.
"It also asks about the help we require regarding food and other things. The health officials often call to check how we are coping up with the situation. Besides this, we often get calls from our GP to know about our health condition."
The ADF and other states have been called in to help Victoria tackle its rising number of COVID-19 cases. Source: AAP
Reshmi also said that doctors advised them to eat healthy food and keep hydrated by drinking a lot of water and take vitamin C and D.
Reshmi and her husband who fought the virus positively, say they feel their body is recovered and are now waiting for their second test to confirm it.
However, there are a few things they are planning to do before bringing their children back to them.
“We made sure to use only the minimum space in our house. So that cleaning becomes easier. We are planning to destroy some of the things we used and thoroughly clean the reusable stuff before bringing our little ones back home,” says the couple.
*To protect privacy, the names have been changed.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
