We are working with the Journalist, Socrates Mbamalu to share stories from people that have been directly and indirectly affected by this pandemic.
#CovidStories is a new MANI series where we interview people whose lives have been impacted by this pandemic. The subject for today’s story is your everyday citizen who got infected with the virus but survived, another testament that people indeed survive the virus.
Hello. How are you doing today?
So far so good, good.
Hmm. So far so good? Why do you say so?
I have been having a great day and I expect it to continue to the end of the day. However, I am not unaware that someone may try to scuttle my good time even though I hope not.
Oh okay. I understand that. How has life been since the pandemic started?
I can’t complain it has been good. Though I was a victim of the virus, got treated and discharged.
Can you share with me what that was like? How you found out you had the virus and what you did to control it?
First, I must say that one can’t be careful enough not to contract the virus. We live in a society where we constantly are in need of others and are in touch with one another. As person who committed to living above fears of death and life, I was suspicious of an awkward and funny feelings.
Initially I thought it was either malaria and typhoid fever, so I got some useful anti-malaria medications. The feelings didn’t disappear, then I thought it could be the virus. I called out to the NDDC help line and I was booked for the COVID-19 test. Funny thing happened that the result was made known to me after 14 days by which time the feelings had disappeared and I had resumed work. But then I was scheduled
to be taken to the isolation/treatment center, a medical ambulance was sent to me and I was indeed taken to the center. I spent two weeks there and was certified ok.
Mentally, how were you dealing with it? Did you experience anxiety, panic attacks or any of such?
Yeah, occasionally I did exhibit some level of anxiety and expectations that their outcome was not of my making but of those who were managing me in the centre. Psychological, yes, the feeling of being isolated and confined to particular place for a period of time. I occasionally felt I was in prison. I dealt with the feelings by talking with people outside and getting updates on the internet. The question as to when will the doctors let me go was common. Every day I asked them.
Since you recovered how would you explain the reception you got from family and friends and even people who knew you had the virus.
Asides from sharing with few people, people don’t really know about it. For those who knew, the reception has been good. Everyone should have known that they are all susceptible to contracting the virus and can be treated. So, I don’t expect discrimination from anyone.
Are you okay now? I mean perfectly fine?
Oh, I am very fine. I resumed work today and no issues so far.
What would your advice to others be, as a someone who has had first-hand experience with the virus?
We all should be as careful as we can be. But if by chance we have it; it can be treated.
Lastly, how would you describe your mental state at this moment?
I am pleased with what Mani has been doing so far in terms of offering leaning shoulders to people. The awareness will make people less apprehensive. Man can’t stay away from thinking so much. Life is full of uncertainties which lead to stress etc. But I think I’m psychologically ok, emotionally, I don’t know.
I understand how you feel. Thank you for speaking to us.
You’re welcome.
If you have a story to share with us about your experiences during this pandemic, please click here.