Combating coronavirus: Life returns to normal for Covid-19 positive Indian family in Ajman

An Indian couple living in Ajman is busy readjusting to their normal life after they successfully fought Covid-19 together, along with their preschool daughter.

Three-year-old Nivediya, the family's younger daughter also became the youngest patient to have recovered from the coronavirus in the UAE. Her mother, Geetu Shyam, first tested positive while carrying out her duties as a frontline health care worker at a medical centre in Ajman.

"I tested positive on April 8, after developing symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. As a healthcare worker, I knew what was happening. I was immediately isolated myself and tests were done," said the 30-year-old nurse to Khaleej Times after being discharged from Amina hospital on Sunday.

"I was not worried at a personal level as I had been taking care of many Covid-19 patients, who recovered eventually. But, as a mother and a wife, I felt worried about my children and husband."

No sooner was Geetu was admitted, her 35-year old husband, Shyam Chandran, started showing similar symptoms. "Two days later, my husband was moved to the isolation ward, after he started experiencing fatigue and fever. He also tested positive, which frankly didn't surprise us.

"Our kids were also with us at the isolation facility and were screened several times. During one such test, my younger daughter Nivediya was positive. That really scared us."

Although anxious about her daughter's health, Geethu was happy her daughter was active, despite the virus striking her. "She had no symptoms at all - no fever or exhaustion. As a mother, I was relieved to see her being lively as usual. The hospital paediatrician reassured us that children generally don't get severely ill by Covid-19," said Geetu.

"My elder daughter Navami was tested four times and, thankfully, she always tested negative," she added.

While detailing her family's recovery, Geethu also urges residents to reach out for help at the earliest, shedding all inhibitions. "When people develop mild symptoms, they should get themselves tested. It will help tackle the situation better with medical intervention. We must rely on our government and hospitals, who are taking every measure to ensure people receive adequate care and support. Additionally, everyone should adhere to social distancing and hygiene protocols."

Reflecting on his experience, Shyam is happy that they have been able to move on with their lives. "I am also a trained nurse although I currently work in a different role. It helped me understand there was no reason to panic. It wasn't the end of the world, just because we were Covid-19 positive. We also knew we were in good hands with all the hospital care.

"I did worry about my daughter though. I'm glad she showed immense maturity in following instructions given by the doctors," said the UAE resident who hails from Kerala.

Having been through a challenging phase together, the duo, in retrospect, feels that the period taught them to be resilient, grateful and optimistic despite all odds.

nandini@khaleejtimes.com