Family member tested COVID positive: How we handled the situation: 

So, recently one of my family members tested positive for coronavirus. It was a bit of a shock for all of us because we weren’t expecting this. We were abiding by the lockdown rules, but as unlock 1 begins, offices opened and my dad was going to the office. Well, the situation in India is worse than how it was before and people don’t know how to handle this. So here is how we tackled this situation and came out stronger. 

How it all started: 

My dad has a fever and sore throat, he visited the local doctor, who prescribed him a few medicines and a COVID test after three days, if the fever remains. But unfortunately, he still has a fever and we decided to undergo the test. 

Struggle with the test: 

I contacted several labs for a test, but due to heavy load, nobody was available. Finally, after two days we booked a test and it took three days for the report to come. Unexpected, the report was positive. The moment I told everyone that it was positive, we panicked and asked dad to stay inside his room. I then contacted my sister and other family members. My sister immediately rushed. 

Doctor’s appointment

As soon as my sister arrived, we first thought of taking dad to the hospital. But after talking to a lot of people we decided to take an online appointment first. As we were unable to get an appointment, we rushed to the nearest local government dispensary and they prescribed medicines and home isolation because my dad had mild symptoms. 

Till the time all this happened, we prepared for his isolation and worked out things. Now, all three of us were quarantined. As mom and I did not have symptoms we did not get tested. 

Treatment: 

I would like to say that if you have mild symptoms do not rush to the hospital, consult a doctor, and stay at home. The situation in the hospital is really bad, isolating at home is the right thing to do. 

As there is no treatment for the disease, the focus is to treat the symptoms. 

Paracetamol: PCM 650 mg to be taken only if fever is higher than 100 0 F and could be taken 6 hourly. 

Cough syrup 

Azithromycin for sore throat 

Supplements like Vitamin C (Limcee 500mg) and multivitamins like Becosule were taken every day, to help build immunity.

Steam inhalation, twice or thrice a day

Gargles twice a day 

Home remedies: 

Kadha : basically a drink made up of various ingredients such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon (dalchini), cloves (laung), honey, black pepper, giloyi etc, cooked in water for 25-30 mins, taken twice a day. 

Gargles with turmeric and salt 

Use of rock salt to control blood pressure 

Steam inhalation with turmeric water 

Intake of hot water only throughout the day 

Plenty of fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, juices etc.

Fruits with vitamin C like Mausami, and lemon 

Green tea 

Regular breathing exercises

As he had mild symptoms, Hydroxychloroquine was not given to him. As the drug has several side effects. I also recommend monitoring blood pressure constantly. 

We preferred using different bathrooms, he used to wash his own clothes and for the food we used disposable. Keep your house clean during this time 

To stay safe and protected, I and my mother I also started doing all the home remedies mentioned above. As soon as my dad developed fever we all started taking precautionary measures ( use of face mask, sanitizer, and gloves). We also got our house sanitized after the test results came, and I used to sanitize the most touched surface twice a day. The use of surface disinfectant is advised. 

After the test results, we were worried about the follow-ups, but once you get a positive result, the government dispensary calls every day to check up on the patient. They also sent us medicines. During this period, we were asked to monitor our health parameters and look out for symptoms like fever, cough, and breathlessness. 

How did we cope: 

The lockdown was going fine for my family, we used to cook, play games, and spend time together. And this was a shock for us, but it was to be strong and deal with the situation. I feel blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. Everyone constantly called to check up on dad. The ones who stay nearby also drop by to deliver some stuff. And a big thanks to our neighbors also, they were very helpful and managed to get us needed stuff. 

The next fear was “log kya bolenge”, but as i mentioned everyone was supportive and helpful. From getting medicines to groceries our neighbors helped us. 

But I would like to tell you that the isolated person might feel lonely, so keep talking to them, video calls them and keep in touch. I remember after one week my dad said to me, it feels like it’s been a long time that i hugged you, I really want to do that. This made me emotional and I gave him a flying kiss. Take care of your loved ones. 

Our learnings: 

• Don’t rush to the hospital and stay calm, consult a doctor before taking any decision 
• It is just the flu and can be dealt with 
• Home quarantine is the best possible solution 
• With the support of family, we can overcome this situation 
• It is always better to talk to medical practitioners and clarify doubts, rather than follow online recommendations.
• Home remedies are a miracle 
• Isolation can be bad, so keep talking to the person and stay connected through the phone. 
• Boost your immune system
• As there is no specific treatment for this, practice social distancing and proper hygiene 
• Sanitization is important 

Current status: 

My dad has been discharged and he is doing much better. He has been asked to take vitamin supplements. I must say that it is my dad’s will power that he covered soon, he did every possible home remedy and followed his medicine routine. He is my superhero! Me and my mother are also fine and healthy. 

Also, remember the disease is not infectious after the person doesn’t have any symptoms. 

This disease is getting on the verge, stay safe, act calmly!

 Thanks for reading this out!