A fight with SARS-Cov-2 infection (COVID-19): Experience of an orthopedic surgeon

Vaishya, Raju

We are going through an active and unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19, across the world since the beginning of the year 2020. Coincidentally, we witness its worst "3rd peak" here in New Delhi, India, and many other countries. Being a higher risk individual, as a health-care worker, I always wondered and "feared" when and how am I going to get this deadly viral infection? To check on my current status, I also took COVID-19 antibody tests, which were negative and ruled out any previous infection. Several of my known orthopedic and non-orthopedic surgeon colleagues have already acquired this infection, perhaps as an occupational hazard, which comes by default in our profession, and have also shared their experiences. I found it essential that one needs to be positive during such illnesses, as most of us would get better with time. The internal positivity and support of the family, friends, and colleagues are of utmost importance in your faster recovery. Post-viral infection, I noticed that it "drains" out your body's energy tremendously and can involve your special senses such as taste, smell, hearing, and vision. It did affect my taste (which became "salty") and appetite for about 2 weeks. The negative thinking and disturbing talk that may affect an individual's mind must be avoided and supplemented by positive thoughts and atmosphere. Life is full of surprises and serendipity, and we must take these in our stride strongly as they come. The last year has convinced me about these facts of life very well.