‘Early intervention will prevent complications and spread’ / ‘Have cut down on hours of work as I need more rest’
How did you get infected?
Being a frontline worker, there was regular exposure from unsuspecting patients. There was a surge in cancer patients in April, probably because of travel restrictions during the lockdown.
I had got myself tested thrice earlier, but all the results had come negative. On July 20, I felt unwell in hospital. I returned home. In the evening, I developed fever. I gave my samples for test the next day. The result came positive in the evening. Our hospital (Sparsh) got in touch with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to allow me to get treated there itself. I drove to the hospital and got admitted. Two colleagues, including another doctor, also tested positive in the next two days and were admitted.
What were the symptoms?
Within hours of getting admitted, my eyes had turned blood-red, like it happens during conjunctivitis. I started experiencing bone pain — deep and unbearable. The body temperature was around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This continued for 36 hours, after which I started feeling better.
My colleagues had different symptoms. The other doctor friend had fever for seven days and lost the sense of smell and appetite. His cough had blood particles. The other colleague’s blood sugar level shot up exponentially and oxygen level dropped. He required prolonged oxygen support. My appetite was almost normal except for the first two days when I had fever. For the first 24 hours, I was given oxygen support.
What was the treatment?
I am diabetic, 49, have had past episodes of lung problems, and suffered pneumonia a year ago. I was classified a moderate risk patient. I was given steroids and remdesivir for five days. My CT scan and chest X-ray showed no further complications.
What kinds of precautions had you taken earlier?
I had taken hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis as recommended by the ICMR. I have been using PPE.
Were your neighbours supportive?
Yes. At Infocity Green Apartments in Shailashree Vihar, where I stay, the entire community was supportive. After I tested positive and my family was put in quarantine, they ensured supply of essentials. The apartment’s office-bearers were in touch over phone, extending moral support.
Was your family apprehensive?
My wife (Sutapa Biswas) is also a doctor. So, my family members broadly understand the situation. But since nobody is certain about how the disease will behave, being apprehensive is natural. All my family members, including my aged parents, my son (Plus II student) and daughter (Class I) tested negative.
Any problem post-Covid?
There is still weakness. For some days, there was anxiety as well and I was finding it difficult to concentrate. I resumed work on Monday, but I have cut down on the hours I work to around six because I feel the need to rest. Things are improving gradually. During hospitalization, my anxiety level was very high.
Your advice to people?
One must not hide symptoms, and go for test as early as possible. Just like any other disease, early intervention is very important here. This will help prevent possible complications and stop further spread to others.