Milder but wilder, the new variant caught me!

Omicron variant is spreading fast, but God is good.

 
 
Read: How to Slowdown Omicron in the Workplace
 
 

The latest mutation of SARS-COV-2 caught me after Christmas. Soon the other members of team Santos got colds, but they all tested negative of the new variant. Nevertheless, we observed 10 days of isolation.

 
 
When my condition is improving, Tatay, an uncle and two siblings caught the newest variant. After we completed our isolation, two members of our extended family caught the virus too.
 
Based on my siblings’ account, because of the surge, it took 3 days before they were tested and another 5 days to get the results.
 
Telemedicine is also challenging, even if you are a paying customer. Waiting time is from 2 hours to 4 hours. And with medical front liners also getting the virus, those who remain standing are tired and can be rude when you interact with them.
 
After being diagnosed with a “mild” case of COVID-19, my symptoms did not feel mild. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful that I don’t need hospitalization.
 
But I had extreme fatigue and body pain on the first day. Colds and a sore throat manifested on the 2nd day. Because I am breathing thru the mouth as a consequence of a clogged nose, plus acid reflux, my sore throat worsened and became tonsillopharyngitis. I did not experience fever but I had occasional chills and coughs. I had trouble sleeping because of a congested nose. But as a consolation, I did not lose my sense of smell and taste.
 
My meds were co-altria (montelukast + levocetirizine) for colds, lagundi for cough, biogesic (paracetamol) when needed for body pain, and difflam (benzydamine hydrochloride) a throat spray.
 
I started feeling better on the 5th day.
 
When someone dear is sick, in as much. as you want to observe the minimum health protocols, you cannot help but expose yourself to the SARS-COV-2 virus, especially if it involves a senior citizen parent or young children.
 
 

How did we manage?

 
We have spiritual and mental support from the church. Our leaders check on us and pray with us almost daily.
 
The clan has daily group video chats too, to check on each other and give encouragement.
 
A client-friend also sent us antigen tests for family use. And when we needed more, we are able to tap his supplier to purchase an FDA-approved kit.
 
A doctor friend became handy too when we need teleconsultation for a senior citizen family member.
 
Because we learned our lesson from the last Delta surge, we added an oximeter to our basic arsenal- thermometer and sphygmomanometer. And with or without the Covid-19, we kept OTC meds for fever, cough, colds, and vitamins so we will not cram when we need it.
 
The timing of my infection was somewhat good. Because we are coming from holidays, we have an ample supply of nice food during our isolation period.
 
As for Tatay, my uncle, and my sibling living in Cavite, the LGU provided COVID meds and vitamins. Imus’ CDRRMC is consistently helpful. During the delta surge, the LGU also lent oxygen tank for Tatay and sent an ambulance for hospital check-ups
 
So for friends sending well wishes, thank you!  We have long recovered and overcame this COVID variant, yay! We are now helping manage the relatives who are near-complete recovery.
 
But I find this funny.
 
Family members who caught the SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant are fully vaxed with a western brand.
 
But wifey who is a super close contact during my isolation, and even took care of another + extended family member, was not infected by the virus. She tested negative twice (antigen) and had no symptoms.
 
She received the much-maligned Chinese vax brand- Sinovac. Before she got her booster, she also received free flu and pneumonia shots courtesy of the Manila LGU.
 
I hope by sharing this story, though anecdotal, can add value to those who are in a similar situation. At the end of the day, the report does not end with the positive test result, but with the promise that says “He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed“ (Isaiah 53:5 NLT)
 
 

Be smart everyone as we go thru this surge and keep the faith.