I have been away for some days, I fell ill. Matter of fact, my recent posts were made on my recovery bed.
Earlier last week, I decided to step out of my house, for the first time in what seemed like forever. They had eased the lockdown here in Port Harcourt.
Prior to the day I was out, I had been feeling sick but readily deduced malaria. When I got back home, the feeling grew worse. I sneezed up to three times daily, for the next three days (and yes, I kept count). Sneezing is very common but since the pandemic, we’ve all been extra conscious. I still had the ‘malaria symptoms’ but it had tripled. I had this tingly, dry, uncomfortable feeling in my nose.
I suspected I had the virus because, yes I was careful and protected that very day, but I didn’t sanitize the Uber seats when I got in. I didn’t sanitize my dress and handbag when I got back home. Admittedly, I wasn’t 100% careful. I told my mum and she suggested that I did a Malaria and Typhoid test as soon as the next day.
By noon that day, I had realized I couldn’t smell nor taste anything. My perfumes are Gucci Oud and Christian Dior’s Jador, so you know how strong their scents are. I pumped them in the air, I got nothing. I put them close to my nose, ZILCH! I got to the fridge, poured myself a glass of my favorite Hollandia Plain Yogurt, it was like I was drinking thick water. Fear gripped me. Meanwhile, I had started self-isolating. The doctor came in the next morning, I briefed him and he took my blood sample. Too many thoughts we’re going on in my mind.
The test results came in later that afternoon and I was diagnosed with malaria ++ and a heavy doze of typhoid. That was, honestly, a huge relief. No one likes to be sick, but at this time, and with the fact that I earlier made contacts with my elderly mom, anybody would have opted for anything else but the virus.
I immediately started a 3 days anti malaria injection, followed with 7 days medicines.
Three days into my treatment, I could already taste everything I ate, and I could slightly smell. This was the highlight of my recovery, the fact that the treatments were working. My doctor assured me it wasn’t the virus.
Well, I feel super fine, my smell is fully recovered! I’m glad it wasn’t the virus, especially for the sake of my close contacts.
Guys, for those that still don’t believe, COVID’19 is real and very much alive in Nigeria. Stay safe, protected and sanitized, always! We will beat this thing!
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