Stop self-medicating; seek medical help early enough for COVID-19: Gurukiran

Gurukiran is heaving a sigh of relief as he’s finally got his entire family back at home. “Three of us were isolating at home after we tested positive for COVID-19, while three others had to be hospitalised. The kind of mental agony one goes through at such times is inexplicable,” says Gurukiran. The music director and his family tested positive after his son attended a recent sports event.“The moment he had symptoms, he was in isolation at home. But the elders in the family got emotional that he was alone and went to meet him in his room. That’s when the entire family contracted it,” he says.
Once the entire family started showing symptoms, Gurukiran started monitoring everyone at regular intervals. “The moment we got fever, I ensured that we all got tested. Most people self-medicate and go for tests only when the situation aggravates. Never make that mistake. Get tested as soon as you have symptoms, as that will help decide the next course of action. We got an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels. When it began dropping, we did further tests and as we were in constant touch with the doctor, some of us sought admission at a hospital rather than wait for the last hour and scramble for a bed. I am grateful everyone is recovering and back home,” says Gurukiran.
In the last few days, Gurukiran heard from a lot of friends and acquaintances about how they self-medicate and stay home rather than go to a hospital and run up mammoth bills. “There’s no use blaming the system for a lapse that has occurred on your part. Be sensible and know your body. When you know you are not being your usual self, get a test. And always keep your doctor in the loop. To save a few thousands, don’t lose a life that you will never get back,” he sums up.