The Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Bulus Umaru Peter, has disclosed to Aso Chronicle how he contracted and recovered from COVID-19.
Dr. Peter said he first heard about the novel disease in October, 2019, and felt like it was something very far away.
He said, “I have heard and read about the family of this disease, like SARS some couple of years earlier.”
Dr. Peter said he attended to patients at all times and that as a leader of one of the professional health associations, he had series of meetings with government officials who might themselves have been exposed to the virus.
He explained that, “So, one cannot be specific as to how one got exposed as the possibilities are numerous.
“The top government officials who tested positive, how did they get exposed, talk less of a clinician.”
Dr. Peter, however, said he was not apprehensive since COVID-19 was not synonymous with death sentence.
He said, “It is usually delay in seeking medical attention or self-medication that results in serious consequences like death.
“I sought medical attention immediately, and before complications set in, it was arrested.
“I was hoping it would come out negative, but alas, it came out positive.
“I was strong-willed and developed a positive outlook, that I would overcome the disease, when I was called to be notified of the result.”
He further said when he started feeling ill, he informed his family members of the possibility of them also contracting the virus and broke the news of the result and that they started praying for him, and added that he was happy that all his family members tested were negative.
Dr. Peter further said while at home before the result came out, and later at the isolation centre at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, aside the medicines to boost his immunity, he was placed on antibiotics, analgesics and antivirals, in addition to fluids and adequate nutrition.
It has been three weeks since the symptoms left Dr. Peter, but he admitted that he was still recuperating and gaining strength.
He said, “My advice to the public is that COVID-19 is real.
“People should adhere religiously to all safety advisories by the NCDC and other health authorities.
“Observe social distancing of two metres, use face masks regularly and appropriately, regular washing of hands with soap under running water, stay at home and avoid crowded areas.”
