By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju

I got infected with CoronaVirus. For 14 days after my positive test result, I was careful. I stayed away from people and remained calm watching for symptoms. I had mild symptoms. My joints ached and phlegm came up my throat often. I stayed the course of my daily Calcium and Vitamins which has been routine for long. I used the ginger, lemon, home remedy to stay hydrated and ate bitter Kola(my habitual stimulant, like coffee). I was okay more or less and I counted myself as one of those who braved Covid-19 with mild symptoms.

Then came this Monday. I was hit! I woke up and I could not walk. I felt like a thousand six inches nails were poking my thoracic cavity. I could barely walk. To stand straight, I needed to take at least 10 steps, straightening myself gradually with each step. Sitting down was a chore. I had to sit straight at the edge of my seat each time. Monday through Wednesday was hell! Pure hell!

I had no idea how and when I got infected. Those who know me, know how finicky I am with personal hygiene. I had hand Sanitizer strapped to all my bags long before Covid. I wore my mask everywhere. In most functions I attended, I was the odd one with a mask on. I knew I had to be extra-cautious because I am an asthmatic. A bad one at that. Asthma is one of the conditions that makes survival tough when infected. Interesting enough, no one with whom I had close contact came down with the virus.

When my test came back positive, I wrestled with how to deal with the news. Should I tell my friends and family? Should I keep it to myself? Well, I chose to tell my sister with whom I was in close contact all the time and my husband. One of the lessons I learned from this ordeal is that, you can never predict your reaction to adversity until you are faced with it. I will never judge anyone again, based on their decision to keep some matters private. The truth for me was that, I did not want to create panic nor pity. I could picture how distraught my friends and family would be if I let them know. I was afraid of the deluge of calls and I felt calls might make me feel like I would die. It was a gamut of emotions I dealt with. It took me 12 hours to tell my husband and when I did, he had the phone on speaker and our daughter heard it. I felt so much for her. I did not tell my parents until I tested negative. They were shocked! This Monday, though, I told them I was not feeling good. I needed their prayers. It was bad. I had no idea what it was, until Tuesday… Pneumonia! Well, I got to know on Thursday while reading the Business Insider that 76% of Covid-19 survivors experience post-infection debilitating symptoms.

I don’t care the school of conspiracy you attend or subscribe to. Do not “catch” this virus or let the virus “catch” you. I suspect the amount of virus you get exposed to affect survival along with other co-morbid factors. I also believe the amount of vitamin D in one’s system aid survival. That may be the reason why many affluent people who are never in the sun are dying more. You may wish to know too that those of us who are not in the “O” blood group are pummeled more by this cruel virus. This virus is in the air. If you parade yourself anyhow, this virus will penetrate you anyhow. Covid-19 is real! Don’t play Ludo with your life, I doubt if vaccination in Nigeria will be widespread before the end of this year. You have every reason to stay safe until you are vaccinated against this unsparing, deadly virus. The Bill Gates the conspiracy theorists denounce, and other in GAVI alliance are the ones we are looking up to, to help us get the vaccines. May their help come quick.

While going through this, keeping up with news, reading through my news feed, were my escape. All through, I was posting updates and even managed to write my column. I needed to feel useful and engaged. That is why I call on my friends often to check on them. That is why I send messages to some people if I notice they are not active. Never judge people by their social media activities. They might be going through hell and coming online may be their only means of hope and connection to life and living. Please check on your friends and family. I thank my friends who have been wonderful through this ordeal. Please stay alive, stay safe!