‘Na-exposed po ako sa COVID-19 positive patients and I started having flu symptoms after a few days. I am fine naman na. Just regaining strength for another fight…laban lang!’ – Teresa G. Lareza
DUBAI: In this time of coronavirus, a certain group of dedicated people working at the front lines of the war against the pandemic, has risen up to the challenge in a dramatic narrative about what others would call, the fight for preservation of the human race.
Teresa G. Lareza, mother of two and an emergency room nurse, who arrived in the United Kingdom around August last year, is among them. Having worked at a Dubai hospital’s ER for 12 years, Lareza thought of moving to the UK with her family and starting a new happier chapter in their lives.
Those plans, however, had to take a backseat.
The dreaded coronavirus has reached UK and as of press time, have over 29,000 confirmed cases of which around 2,350 have died, according to the British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC).
“Due to COVID-19, medyo ma-delay po pagkuha ko sa kanila. I-settle muna natin ang situation. Mas safe na din sila kung malayo sa akin. Alam mo na… na sa hospital tayo nagwo-work. All the risks, eh nandyan lang,” Lareza told Rappler in an interview from Cambridge in eastern England, where she is working as ER nurse.
Break
Lareza, who hails from Nueva Ecija, has recently taken a break from the ER shift.
“Na exposed po ako sa COVID-19 positive patients and I (started having) flu symptoms after a few days of exposure. Di na rin alam kung sino sa mga patients kasi sa emergency naman dadaan lahat (ang mga pasyente),” said Lareza.
She said she immediately underwent “symptomatic treatment.”
“In times like this, treat everyone as a potential COVID-19 (positive individual). Kaya kailangan lumayo muna sa public for seven days unless it becomes severe,” said Lareza, adding that medical treatment should be sought if the symptoms become severe.
Lareza, who had headed a big association of Filipino nurses in Dubai, said symptoms started manifesting on March 28.
“Sore throat, colds, occasional dry cough, headache, body aches and malaise,” was she described how she felt, which unfortunately fits on the COVID-19 checklist.
“Kung ano lang ang symptoms yun ang gamot, if may lagnat and body aches paracetamol,” she said, explaining “symptomatic treatment” in laymen’s terms.
“Rest ang pinaka-important. Boost immune system to fight against infection, like eating healthy food, fruits, veggies, more hydration, sleeping well, exercising and pray, pray, pray,” Lareza said.
Lareza said they have been anticipating a huge number of suspected COVID-19 cases.
“It’s a government hospital kaya expected na madami po. But it was already planned, like we have a red zone and green zone. Red zone for all suspected cases and green zone for non- COVID-19 and normal emergency situation. Protocol and standards (are also observed),” she said.
“I am working in one of the busiest hospitals in the east of England, but the situation is under control at the moment. There are a lot of changes but all these are for the better management of COVID-19,” she added.
Communication
Lareza said she has been constantly in touch with her family in Dubai – a 10-year-old boy; a 16-year-old girl and a husband engaged in IT, working from home.
“Opo alam nila. Constant communication naman po kami and there is nothing to worry. I am fine naman na. Just regaining strength for another fight…laban lang. ‘Wag matakot, nandyana naman si God. If God is with us who can be against us?” she said.
She added: “May mga support systems naman ditto. Hindi na rin nakaka-worry… mga kasama sa work, Filipinos and other nationalities, supported din naman ng hospital. I am having constant communication with family through social media, chat and video call.”
The new normal
Lareza said staying at home, quarantine and self-isolation are the new normal.
“Self-isolation is a new strategy/management to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Self-isolation, quarantine and staying at home are really essential to limit the spread of infection. Along with other hygiene practices,” she said.
It can be boring, she said, “but if you’d think of the long-term benefits to many, eh that’s more important than boredom.”
Andami pwede gawin during self-quarantine if you’re feeling well. Otherwise, take that opportunity to pray more, rest, reflect and reconnect to gain strength for another day and fight,” Lareza said.
She said that like everyone else, front liners like her are “also scared of what’s going on in the whole world.
“Prayer is our ultimate weapon in this situation. As a front liner we need to be strong in body, mind and spirit. Nakaka-awa ang situation ng buong mundo. In our little way or everyone’s contribution sana matapos na. Let’s all pray for the whole world,” Lareza said.
The Daily Bread 