A survivors’ guide to beating Covid-19 virus and its stigma

While India has recorded over 28,380 Covid-19 positive cases so far, Kerala is one of the states that are on its way to flattening the curve. With the State recording a total of 342 recovered cases, the highest in the country, we talked to a few survivors about the challenges they faced and how they survived the disease

Reshma Mohandas, Nurse, Kottayam

She contracted the virus while attending to India's oldest Covid-19 survivor at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.
Symptoms
Rhinitis, body pain and fatigue
Challenges
Found isolation difficult
Longing to meet family
Post recovery, had to deal with stigma of being a Covid-19 patient
“I am a bit anxious whether people will accept me henceforth.”
What got her through
Will to defeat the virus
Ensured she took medicines on time
Followed proper diet despite not having appetite
“While going in isolation, I was determined to defeat the virus. I wanted to survive.”
Current mindset
“I am now more confident about my immunity. I feel I am back from the clutches of death and that gives me more power and energy to work.”

AP Usman, Politician, Idukki

The origin of AP Usman’s infection is not yet clear, as neither he nor his relatives had travelled abroad recently.
Symptoms
Fever, throat pain
Challenges
Fear of death
Depression and anxiety
Felt guilty for about 260 people having to go into quarantine
Family was alienated
“I have not stepped out of my house after quarantine. I’m stressed that the society isn’t matured enough to accept us even after recovering”
What got him through
Support of family and well wishers
Faith in God
“My experience as a social worker helped me be strong amid criticism and fear of the disease”
Current mindset
“I have more confidence and courage to support my people. Being a social worker, I haven’t spent much time with my family, but I have now realised its importance.”


Robin Thomas and family, Kottayam

Robin and family were infected through primary contact with his in-laws who had returned from Italy and tested positive.
Symptoms
Mild cough
Challenges
Fear of death
Stressed by the bullying online with many referring to them as “agents of coronavirus”
Four-year-old daughter, who had tested negative
“The cyber bullying sapped our spirits. My family was also alienated by the society and we really struggled going through that trauma in isolation.”
What got them through
Support and counselling of the medical professionals
“The doctors counselled us and told us that getting sick isn’t a crime. That thought helped us a lot.”
Current mindset
“I have become more compassionate. I speak to other Covid-19 patients, be it day or night, and they say they feel relieved while talking to a survivor.”


How to deal with the Covid-19 stigma

It is unscientific and inhuman to isolate people post recovery. It is safer to interact with a person who has been treated and tested negative for Covid-19 than those who haven’t tested at all. The survivors shouldn’t be disheartened by the society’s reaction as it is the side effect of the campaign to prevent community spread of the virus. They shouldn’t emotionally isolate themselves or feel guilty. Instead, they should try and connect with people who accept them.
– DR CJ John, psychiatrist