“I thought I was immune to the coronavirus because I am healthy and young, but I was wrong. During the initial days of the nationwide lockdown, reports of the transmission of coronavirus were just starting to appear in Vijayawada. I was aware of the gradual increase of Covid cases in India, but the community transmission of the virus was not quite so widespread.
‘I will wash my hands regularly’, ‘I will mask myself while going out’ I thought. When I look back, there were many opportunities for me to have caught this virus. Well, my father is an employee in the Postal department, and I had to pick and drop him every day during the Lockdown period as there was no transportation available. On my way back, I used to watch people walking long distances and they would request for a drop when I ever I travel alone. This continued for a few weeks until the end of May. On June 1st, when I returned home, I developed a mild fever and body pains. Following the guidelines of the Ministry, I reported myself to the toll-free number and requested a Covid 19 to check if I had contracted the virus. I was feverish along with headache and body pains and gave my swab for testing on 2nd near the nearest govt hospital. Later, I tested positive for COVID-19. I fell victim to this virus: a life-threatening virus that gave me the worst societal problems I have experienced to this day. After I was confirmed with Covid-19, I was admitted to an isolation center in Gudavelli.
What’s notable is that the ambulance driver was sensitive and didn’t create any panic considering the psychological effect it would have on me. He called me and asked me to get in silently on the main road. Fortunately, none of my family members tested positive. I continued to stay at the Gudavelli hospital for the next 8 days before I was finally discharged.
I certainly lost connection with the external world during that period. I missed sharing my food with my family and my evening hangouts with friends.
Today, I’m thankful for not having any deadly symptoms. I’m thankful for all the medical community. I’m thankful that I’ve been gifted the privilege to stay home. I’m thankful for having been given more time to work on myself. I’m thankful for all the prayers , love and support. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. There is always hope.”