Lessons and questions about COVID-19

One Facebook post reads: “COVID-19 is hitting way too close to everyone’s home. Those numbers are turning into names, and names into people we know…”

I shared this post as I whispered a prayer for those who have COVID-19. Weeks later, my own 68-year-old brother, a doctor serving an urban poor community, got sick, first with pneumonia, and later with the dreaded COVID-19. After a week of home treatment and another two weeks in a government hospital, with much prayer and valuable support from his colleague-doctors, the medical staff, and even security guards of the hospital (all of them our earthly angels), my brother was finally discharged from the hospital. His wife also tested positive, but thankfully had mild symptoms.

The case sounded quick and easy, but it was quite the opposite—the suspense, the drama, the anxiety, and stress were long and difficult. Instead of narrating the daily miracles we experienced, I’d like to share lessons we learned to help other family members who have or will be taking care of loved ones with COVID-19 at home or in the hospital.

Never underestimate COVID-19. It is treacherous. Get the right treatment at the first sign of a symptom. Timing is critical. Since his chest X-ray results showed pneumonia, my brother started taking antibiotics even during his one week of stay at home. Almost at the same time that he got the results of his COVID-19 test, his oxygen level began to drop, so we had to rush him to the hospital.

Be proactive. For home care, acquire an oximeter with chargeable batteries. Be ready with an oxygen mask and two oxygen tanks, because while one is being refilled, you can still use the other one. A portable one should also be handy, in case you need to take the patient to the hospital. Bring your own oximeter and a fully-charged cellular phone with charger.

Load yourself with tons of patience.

Be firm but loving. Remember, the mental torture is as difficult as the physical pain, especially if the patient is isolated in the hospital. Patience will also be needed as you deal with the hospital staff who are just as tired and stretched out as the patients and caregivers.

Be informed. Knowledge is key. Make sure you just don’t rely on cluttered information and opinions in social media. Develop a network of knowledgeable resource persons who can give you timely advice. Know the ward or room number when a family member is admitted to monitor him or her.

Keep yourself healthy. Stress can wear out the family members looking after the patient. Eat, sleep, exercise, pray. Talk to family and friends.

Strictly observe health protocols. No matter how you want to help your loved one, always keep your distance, wear a mask and face shield or an improvised protective clothing. Wash hands always.

Finally, stretch your faith. Lead your family members in prayer for your loved one who is sick. Rally your friends to pray. Remind yourself who God is to you. When dark clouds cover the sun, it does not actually disappear. Behind the dark clouds is the sun that continues to bring light and heat.

While there are personal lessons for all of us from COVID-19, there are also lingering questions. I respectfully ask these questions now and direct them to the authorities.

Why can’t we have the sense of urgency to expedite urgent and specific measures? Why do we still have the feeling that it’s business as usual? For example, why can’t we rush the procurement of more hospital beds? Why can’t we make available in the market the much-needed medicine—for example, Remdesevir and other tested medicine—so patients will not be victimized by the manipulation of unscrupulous vendors?

Why can’t we entice more health workers to join the workforce by providing better pay and an assurance of medical support in case they or their family members get sick? According to Inquirer columnist Kay Rivera, “our country is the world’s top source of nurse professionals but has the lowest number of nurses per capita in Southeast Asia.” She further observed that the salaries of health workers are lower than the military and the police.

Why is there no “stress” or trauma specialist attending to COVID-19 patients? When a patient is all by himself in a hospital room gasping for air, he can get stressed and traumatized, which may harm his immune system.

Enough with the whys. Quick actions, please.

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Leonora Aquino-Gonzales used to work at the World Bank as a communication specialist. She is currently teaching at the College of Mass Communications, University of the Philippines.