The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic really took the world by storm. Every additional case that Department Of Health tallies is a harsh reminder that this deadly disease is not one to be taken lightly— a disease that took so many lives, including frontliners as well as healthcare workers who put their lives at stake just to combat the virus and save the world.
Despite the overwhelming description, COVID-19 is curable. In fact, there are patients in the country who were able to recover from it. One of them is PH13, Jon Oliquino, who shared his journey in facing the killer disease on social media to spark hope among people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jon shared via Facebook how he possibly acquired the fatal infection, and how he was able to get by it. As of press, his story has garnered over 500 shares and 1,900 reactions.
I AM PH13 and I was tested positive for COVID-19! February 29 at the Manila airport I was looking forward to flying to…
Posted by Jon Oliquino on Wednesday, March 25, 2020
“February 29 at the Manila airport I was looking forward to flying to Brisbane, Australia for a short sweet trip,” the Facebook entry started. “I normally am a traveller myself, and I am not new to seeing crowded people coughing. But this time, my feeling was different. I felt unease and wanting to avoid a crowd. Boarding the plane was no better. A lot of passengers were coughing. I know its not good.”
“Saturday morning, probably the longest day of life… I was feeling terrible. Despite that, I was careful. I was covering my mouth while coughing, and wore masks during the time I was already showing all these symptoms,” he continued.
Jon shared that once he arrived at the Manila International Airport, he headed straight to Makati Medical Center. The nurse was hesitant to check if he was COVID-19 positive at first, since Australia was not infected yet. However, considering he was already showing symptoms, the nurse obliged.
Once he learned that he tested positive, he was shocked but at the same time, knew that he was “in good hands”.
“I know I have to be strong,” he wrote. “I was getting iv fluids, antibiotics and flu meds and was feeling better on my second day at the hospital so I know my treatment was working! And the great part is — all the people I interacted with both in Manila and Australia were all clear of symptoms and were tested negative!,” Jon exclaimed.
He ended the message with expressing his “heartfelt” gratitude towards Makati Medical Center. “I also would like to give my heartfelt gratitude to Makati Medical Center for all the care and especially to my doctors, nurses, and health staff who helped me get through this very very scary situation.”
“This virus can be defeated!” he ended.
Aside from giving a glimmer of hope to his readers, Jon also reminded them that COVID-19 is serious matter and that they should avoid leaving their homes to avoid acquiring or spreading the virus.
