I CONSIDERED myself “lucky” for having dodged the bullet since the pandemic first broke in February 2020.
However, on the night of Nov 24, my “luck” ran out when I tested positive for Covid-19.
The day before, I had felt under the weather. Thinking that it was just the common cold and a lack of sleep, I took the usual fever and cough medications.
But the next day, my symptoms worsened and my eyes became watery. I was also unable to shake off the phlegm like I usually can with cough syrup.
Having listened to accounts of people dying from the virus due to my work as a journalist, my immediate concern was more for those around me than myself.
I quickly informed my loved ones at home and those whom I had come into contact recently.
Having spoken to multiple experts on Covid-19 in recent years for an array of topics on the respiratory disease, I knew the best course of action then was to isolate myself without hesitation.
Even though my symptoms were mild, I decided to do so at a hotel nearby and not at home. I was not going to take any chances with my parents who are seniors, putting them at higher risk of contracting the virus and possibly more severe symptoms.
Having savings helps, considering the financial cost to bear when opting to isolate outside.
Aside from the accommodation cost, there are also added expenses on food deliveries to ensure that you don’t get into contact with others.
Although this took a bite out of my savings, the cost is nothing compared to the well-being of precious loved ones.
I drank loads of water, took soupy foods and fever medication, which helped to gradually eradicate the symptoms.
As an active person who is out and about almost daily, I found it boring to be confined within four walls, but I persevered because the thought of possibly spreading it to others left me tossing and turning through the day.
Thankfully, I have since got a clean bill of health.
I’d like to commend the MySejahtera team for being prompt in attending to my queries.
I had some hiccups updating my health status on the application daily, but each time I emailed the Helpdesk for assistance, my issue was rectified within an hour. This gave me faith in the system, which has time and again been cast in a bad light.
It’s now day seven. I’ve since tested negative for the virus and been released from isolation.
My concern, however, is on those who have the symptoms or even worse, test positive for Covid-19, yet continue going about their business without restraint or isolating.
If you have the symptoms, don’t be lax. You never know what underlying conditions the people around you may have.
Just because others may be treating it as “just another flu” doesn’t mean you should too.
