Hi! My name is Aarti Gumber. I am 33 years old and COVID-19 positive. Today is the 7th day of my isolation. My symptoms include loss of smell, and severe pain in head, abdomen, spinal column and chest. I am writing this for YOU. This is not a mundane write up about “how to build your immunity during the pandemic”. It is about knowing the right tools for surviving the pandemic.
Do not be scared and live your life
We have read, heard, even preached since our time on the Earth – live your life to the fullest. A pandemic should not change that. One of my friends has not stepped out since 7 months. This way you do more harm than help to yourself. Choose your outlet! I like being in nature; thus, I chose to visit the parks in the neighborhood, Sunder Nursery, and Hauz Khas village in Delhi. I even developed the hobby of bird watching. If your go-to thing is shopping then go do it. Be smart about it. Choose a less crowded area, pick the shopping time wisely, and keep your visit short.
It is true that you will feel scared if you are in my situation. I cried due to the pain. However, I rejoiced the care from loved ones; having hope of a better future and having ME time. You should not be scared of the virus. Think deeply and you will agree that it is just like any other problem in your life. Once I am out of the isolation, I will continue to go out while taking all the precautions.
Precautions are important. Follow all of them to the hilt. Again, I am not enlisting them here, but enjoy life without being callous. Drive on a highway at 100kph, but not without a seat belt please!
Stop living in denial
Daily, you will meet someone who says, “Ah! Nothing will happen”, when you take a precaution against the virus. These people may be invincible to a virus that has killed 9,96,342 persons worldwide, but you are only a mortal. Ignore such people. If you are one of them, kindly step out of the bubble of denial. A pandemic exists. You should protect yourself and your family in every way possible. Acceptance is the first step of problem solving.
Control your curiosity
People ask about symptoms and treatment immediately when they talk to a COVID-19 patient. Be sensitive and curb your curiosity. I do not want to feel like a laboratory guinea pig. Like for any illness, consult a doctor if ill. Do not spread your assumptions about the illness to others. You can call and listen to a COVID-19 patient. It is the maximum help. Do not preach to him/her. Please provide genuine support and again control your curiosity.
How did I get COVID?
Were you thinking this since the beginning? The answer lies in the last point: Control your curiosity. Like everything in life, fighting COVID-19 is a mind game. Thus, stay calm! No one can know exactly what happened. There can only be speculations.
You might be wondering how I am a survivor on the 7th day of isolation. Refer to the first point. I am sure I will be healthy soon and enjoying my life while being cautious.
A technical writer in the field of life sciences, Aarti Bhola, pursued graduation and post-graduation in Biotechnology and Microbiology respectively. She is passionate about researching and writing informative content about any topic. A feather in her cap was her entrepreneurial venture, Melange Handicrafts, that sold lifestyle and home decor goods online. She continues to explore her artistic side via doodling and hand lettering.
