Surumi’s blood test and X-ray results were normal but then Covid-19 test turned out to be positive.
When Abu Dhabi-based Indian nurse Surumi C.S. tested positive for Covid-19, she chose to spread positivity through her TikTok videos and WhatsApp audio clips on ways to deal with the situation. One video, which went viral, recorded 80,000 views. All through her 29-day treatment, she hid her illness from family members, including her six-year-old daughter Aayishah.
“I had joined LLH Hospital in Mussafah last November. I stay alone here, my husband works in Saudi Arabia and daughter stays with my parents and brother in Alappuzha, Kerala. For the past few months, I was working in emergency room and going for Covid-19 screening at labour accommodations in Mussafah. But from March 28, I had throat congestion. By March 31, I developed fever and headache. I took sick leave and tested.”
Surumi’s blood test and X-ray results were normal but then Covid-19 test turned out to be positive.
“As I had exposure to suspected patients, I was mentally prepared for such a situation. But when my result came positive, I went blank. First two days of treatment at Burjeel Medical City were mentally difficult. I informed my husband Shamon but didn’t tell my parents as mother Sajeetha is asthma patient and father Nazarudheen has cardiac problem. Hospital made provisions to do video call my daughter so that everything seemed routine affair.”
‘We have to stay alert’
“After initial days, when there was relief from fever and body pain, I chose to do something useful for others. I had served during the Nipah virus outbreak, floods and palliative care in Kerala. I know people do get distressed in such times. I wanted to cool nerves of people. I did a few motivational videos on TikTok handle @aayishah2013 and audio messages for WhatsApp groups. I created awareness about how not to fall victim and preventive and precautionary measures etc. It was well-received, especially as it is a video by a nurse,” Surumi said.
In her month-long stay in hospital, her samples were tested 10 times and finally turned positive on April 27. “I have now posted video of my recovery. This isn’t a deadly disease. We have to avoid tension. If there’re no complications, then rest, diet and medicine are enough to recover. However, people must avoid celebratory rally like what we saw in Dubai’s Naif. Virus is still around. We have to stay alert.”
Her parents, relatives and friends are devastated to know that she was ill all these days. She hopes all the efforts taken by healthcare workers mean something.
“Whenever there is a crisis, we are hailed as angels without wings. I hope this appreciation we are receiving now stays forever. We, healthcare workers, are venturing into a riskier environment than last month,” Surumi added.
