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Last March, I had a terrible headache and my body temperature soared around 101Â degreesF, and setting up an appointment with my doctor was nearly impossible. Due to the pandemic, visiting the hospital was out of the question, however, the doctor asked me about my symptoms on the phone and advised me to self-quarantine, prescribed me to take Tylenol every 4 hours until the fever subsides. If there develops flu like symptoms aided by cough or difficulty in breathing, I was to call 911. With everything happening all around the world, I feared that the same is also going to happen to me; I was washing my hands more than usual, I disinfected everything with bleach everywhere I usually touch. I was using face-covering too. I drank lemon water during the day. I stayed home forgetting my daily walk in the park. Even today after my fever has subsided, I strictly comply with the 6-feet social distancing. I stocked up on toilet paper, flu medicine, fever reducers, canned and other nonperishable food, water, etc.
Due to my strict quarantine habits, luckily, I was only experiencing some mild regular fever. I was reluctant to get tested since I believed that staying home and maintaining social distances will help stop spread the virus. Now to get myself tested, I contacted the Department of Health and they requested me to call complete care, but the line was busy. After several attempts, I called urgent care in Wildwood. I got the opportunity to test the same day. I was very worried, and the anxiety was killing me. The doctor took my X-ray and a virus swab test. The results took 3 days to publish however it felt like 3 years but immediately after seeing that I was not a victim of this vicious virus all the fears and doubts started to pop off. In contrast, whenever I read or watch the news, I see so many people dying and the rate of infection is increasing simultaneously.
All the essential workers around the world are trying their best to control the spread of the virus along with finding out a cure. I see many Americans disapprove of the protest the restrictions caused as an aftereffect of the spread. Even though these restrictions create a negative impact on the surrounding economy and status, we also must remember that people are working very hard to eliminate the aftereffects of the Covid-19. All those days in self-quarantine, I have instilled some good practices such as washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Trying my best to not touch my face too often when outdoors.
Please take the time to wipe down surfaces and door handles with disinfectant cleaners frequently. Exercise of both mind and body is very important in times like this hence I would like to request the readers to take a walk in the park (if close to the resident) or around the block to that will help the lungs to breathe in the fresh air. This is a difficult and emotional time for everyone. I would advise meditation, prayers, and yoga which I believe is the best way to self- heal. It is a powerful medicine for strength that eventually increases one's self-courage and happiness. It is an equally well-considered medicine for people.
Journalist, poet and editor Kamala Sarup works at the Cape Collection. Kamala specializes in reporting news and writing stories covering journalism, Peace, Public health, Democracy, Women/Children, development, justice and economic development. (more...)
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