I decided to write down this experience while it’s still fresh in my mind. We have been hearing so much news and posts about the Covid-19 pandemic, how horrible it was, how bad it breaks the medical systems in many countries, and the need to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to keep ourselves protected and safe.
Day 0 – Speculative Infectious Sites
On the 7th of June, I drove my FIL for his 2nd dose vaccination appointment. As usual, when we go out, we wore a medical mask, face shield, and brought hand sanitizer with us. I accompanied him for registration, verification, jap, and observation – all done within 40 minutes. On the way back, we decided to do takeaway at a Chinese restaurant, one of our usual places for “Cham” and Penang Hokkien Mee. We sanitized our hands frequently, at the vaccination center, and after we got our food. Once we reached home, our SOP kicks in, and we went straight to the shower.
Despite following all hygienic practices, I still caught on the SARS-CoV-2 (a.k.a. COVID-19) virus. My FIL started getting the symptoms one day after his vaccination. 3 days passed, and he was still feeling weak, having a cough, fever, and diarrhea. We thought the post-vaccination effect was a bit too exaggerated. On 11th June, I started having dry cough and mild fever. This is the 4th day after my FIL vaccination.
I took some Panadol and rest for a night. The next day, I’m feeling better, no more feverish, but I’m still feeling fatigued, having a stuffy nose, and loss of taste and smell. I started to suspect the possibility of infection. With the concern, I remember dad bought us some LHQW capsules a few weeks ago as preventive measurement. So I started taking them as indicated, thrice per day. Thinking back on the places I went, several locations were prime suspects, based on the history of MySejahtera check-in. MITEC, the place I brought my FIL for his 2nd dose vaccination; a Chinese restaurant at Taman Gombak, and Aeon Big.
Day 6 – Confirmed Positive
2 days after my initial symptoms, and after I regain back some energy, I decided to bring my FIL to a nearby clinic for consultation and post-vaccination medications. The doctor told us that all the symptoms were Covid-19 symptoms, no doubt they were also similar to post-vaccination effects. On the spot, I decided to do a PCR Swab Test. I got my result via WhatsApp within 12 hours, and I was confirmed positive. I broke the news to my family, and immediately they arranged for a PCR swab test on the same day. The next 12 hours were heart-pumping moments, though we were mentally prepared for the worst. I started to felt breathlessness and having slight chest pain, despite constant check on my blood oxygen level, which was between 95%-98% (luckily my dad bought an oximeter for us a few weeks ago).
Day 7 – Covid-19 Assessment Center (CAC)
1 day after I got my swab test result, I got a call from KKM, asking me about my conditions; whether I can go to the assessment center for further evaluation. We made an appointment and went for the assessment. There were not many people when we arrived at the CAC. We waited for our turn to get registered, and then move on to the next counter for assessment and Q&A. The whole assessment process took around 1 hour.
The officer tagged us with pink bands and let us go home. My assessment result was Category 2b, and I need to stay at a Low-Risk Quarantine Center (LRQC). My FIL, on the other hand, was Category 3. KKM will arrange an ambulance to send him to a hospital for further observation and caretaking. My wife and kids were Category 1, so they can quarantine at home.
I went back home to pack my belonging; clothes, shower gel, books, earpiece, power bank, and a tube of Redoxon Triple Action for my daily vitamin boost. Later in the evening, I drove back to CAC to wait for my ride to LRQC. Just before I leave, my wife handed her ceramic mug for me to bring together.
During the journey to LRQC, there’s so many questions in my mind. Would my case get deteriorated? Would I get send to the ICU? How’s my family doing back at home, especially my wife that needs to take care of the kids. I was exchanging text messages with her, trying to support each other. I also kept my parents updated about my well-being, just not to let them worried too much. After all, Covid-19 is not play play…
Check out my story at Quarantine Center in Part 2 of this blog series.