My Journey With COVID19 — Part 2

Pradeep Miriyala
3 min readMay 1, 2021

The Negative That Matters

From Apr 2021, India has witnessed steep increase of COVID19 cases and my family is also infected. In Part 1, I talked about initial days of infection.

Day 0 to 15 — Many Challenges, Unlimited Help

Glimpse of a single parent’s life

Kids are bliss in every family. Parents just love whatever the kid does. Situations can be dramatic when the parents are under pressure like dealing with sickness.

I was forced in to exactly same situation for Day 3 to Day 10 of my COVID19 journey. During this period, my 3Y old daughter who is very much attached to her mother must remain distant.

This is a challenge I was never prepared for. It was not easy yet it is everyday life of many single parents. So, in a way, COVID19 gave me a glimpse of life of single parent. To every single parent across world, I must salute for their love and dedication towards their kids.

On Day 12, the situation reversed and this time I must isolate. This meant my wife went in to role of single parent. This time, my 6Y son who is very much attached to me must remain distant. COVID19 awareness stories I was telling him for past one year have proven to be useful.

Unlimited Help

I can’t complete writing about my journey with COVID19 without mentioning my neighbors, building watchman. During quarantine, support from them is unforgettable in ensuring that we get medicine on time, food supplies.

If you encounter any situation where your neighbors are stuck, do pass a helping hand.

Day 15 to Day 22 — Recovery at faster pace

Chills of COVID19

First four days of COVID19 infection are terrible with extreme fevers, body pains, cold, chest pain, indigestion and psychological trauma from isolation.

After four days in to COVID19, situations were better. Medicines worked, symptoms vanished and body started fighting back. This has been case with me, my wife and my 3Y daughter.

Psychological Trauma

Connectivity is almost unlimited with mobile phone for everyone. Yet, during initial four days, I didn’t had enough energy to talk for more than 5 minutes. Further, sleeplessness due to breath issues have added psychological burden.

I tried to read books, but mind has not cooperated. Finally, I started listening to songs, watching one or two movies. My long term habit of not viewing News channels has definitely helped to reduce additional mental pressure.

The valuable negative

Thanks to medicine, protein food during isolation, we have recovered quickly.

As of Day 24, my family is tested as COVID19 negative. Nothing gives more satisfaction than this negative. I feel, I’m lucky to have recovered without any known complications for now.

As everyone knew, situation is not same for everyone. Some of my relatives and acquaintances have faced larger challenges such as long term hospitalization, post discharge traumas.

Day 25 and Beyond

Now, the national vaccination drive is ongoing and it may take another 6 months (or even more) to get every citizen vaccinated. As per the latest news, even a COVID19 negative reported person can get infected again in 90 days.

So, I can’t say I defeated COVID19 yet, But, I may dare to say, I got my vaccine shot by getting infected ;).

Until you are vaccinated,

  • Use double masks
  • Be extra careful when going out
  • Eat healthy food
  • Stay safe and clean
  • Provide support to anyone who got infected

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Pradeep Miriyala

Engineer by profession, Programmer by interest, Poet/Writer by hobby. Poetry blog: http://pradeepblog.miriyala.in