Being a doctor, infection was going to happen sooner or later as we work and meet people in the field to serve them during the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, said the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Dr RS Sethi, who is also a chief of local chapter of the Indian Medical Association.
More than the disease, it was fear psychosis and stigma attached with it, which troubled us. Two caretakers hired to look after my mother, fled away after they learnt about us being tested positive. After a lot of persuasion, we were able to hire another caretaker. My kids took care of their grandmother. - Dr RS Sethi, District Health and Family Welfare Officer
I tested positive for Covid on July 22 after some doctors in my contact contracted the virus, he said.
My only concern was about potentially infecting my family members, including my bed-ridden mother. My wife, too, tested positive.
"More than the disease, it was fear psychosis and stigma attached with it, which troubled us. Two caretakers hired to look after my mother, fled away after they learnt about us being tested positive. After a lot of persuasion, we were able to hire another caretaker. My kids took care of their grandmother," he said.
My elder daughter, who is a doctor, was doing internship and was out of the city.
He said, "Me and wife isolated ourselves in a room. We kept motivating each other to keep our minds away from negativity. We listened hymns and performed prayers two times a day, besides doing physical exercise in order to defeat the virus. I also used to read books to stay busy."
"It is utmost important to remain in positive frame of mind and keep negative thoughts away," said Dr Sethi.
He pointed out he and his wife remained asymptomatic during the 17-day isolation period.
Another good thing that happened was that my friends used to call me daily and remained in touch with me.
They used to boost our morale. Friends were always there to support us during the testing times.
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