What happens IF you do get infected with COVID 19 / Corona Virus

I sincerely hope that this post remains as an idle exercise, but if and when you are detected as Corona virus / Covid 19 / SARS Cov2 Positive …

But, planning to fail is failing to plan. Taking a look at the worst possible outcome, may either help us be better prepared for it or makes us more determined and vigilant to avoid it / prevent it!

Of course, the authorities will swoop in and do their bit.
Currently, based on where you live and your symptoms, it can be home quarantine to isolation to hospitalization.

Few immediate steps that seem obvious are:

– Your entire house will be sealed. At least for 14 days. Your parents, spouse, siblings and children too will be taken to the Isolation Ward. They TOO may turn out to be positive.
From the moment you are taken away, you MAY not ever see them ever again. They may die or you may die…

This scenario seems bleaker and all the more challenging if your children or parents don’t live with you and it’s just you and your spouse living alone.

Now, we doctors can sometimes be quite a morbid lot and there are days when we don’t deal in sugar pills or even sugar coat things.
Somethings have to be laid out straight, direct, to the point, from the heart, just the facts.

If that is NOT how you like things, please don’t read ahead.
If you think you can handle it – well, read right ahead – no more BUFFER – so think again (last chance)

Moderately Uncomfortable Scenario 1:
Only you get admitted to COVID isolation ward.
What to take with you?

1. Mobile, Charger, earphones, Laptop, Books, Routine medicines, Change of clothes. Plan for 14 days. (not to play Ludo, but I don’t see why if the situation permits, we shouldn’t be make productive use of time – whatever little there is!)
2. Cash. + Credit Cards.
3. Mediclaim Insurance is useful – keep the number handy of such policies.
4. Before you leave secure the others who will remain at home. For their day to day to be smooth –  Sign a few blank cheques as well. Share your ATM Pin with your wife.
5. Pets are also our family. If you have a furry family, arrange for their shelter with some PETA or friends, in case your other family members have to be admitted.

Severely Uncomfortable Scenario 2:
 You succumb to the virus and die in Isolation centre. Your family is left to fend for themselves. Your mortal remains and last rites may not get the company of your near and dear ones and you would be cremated/ buried directly. Your usual support system can’t even come close to console and help your family, especially your spouse.

1. Make your family + spouse aware TODAY, of all the current financial conditions and transactions. Leave enough cash home for them to tide over things.
2. If your parents/children are away out of India or out of town and cannot come to help your spouse nor can your spouse go to them, for the next 6 months. MAKE THEM prepared!
3. Passwords:- Share All your passwords, Keypad lock pattern or code everything in a note for them in case you die. Your phone would perhaps be the most important tool!

 Making them mentally prepared is easier TODAY. Their survival depends on their mental strength

Extremely Uncomfortable Scenario 3:
You and your spouse (who got infected along with you) – both die!
Say for 3 months nobody is allowed to visit your house. After that, your parents/children are able to return.
How will they enter? How will they manage? What all will they search?

1.  Finances- Again keep some signed blank cheques for them.
2. They can at least transfer the money to their A/C if they return before 3 months.
3. Nomination is the best practice but if not done then may not have time to do it now. A lot of banks allow this online – even if you can’t visit the branch.
4. Documents- Make a list of Imp Documents, Bank accounts, Bank Locker and their key location Location of various keys- Cupboard keys, Car keys,  in your home ( people have a tendency to keep them in reasonably tough to find secret places). Convey this list to them TODAY – as a confidential email. (Not some WhatsApp message)
5. House keys should be given to some friend for keeps sake.

Some of these are standard practices, when we usually step out for a long vacation or trip.
Think of this as a similar scenario, just a little more extreme.
Hence, please prepare accordingly!

Of course, we will always hope for the best.
Of course, health wise and medical treatment wise, you will get the best the doctors can offer.
But, we can’t leave everything to chance or fate, can we?

“Aap bolte rahe ‘jo likha hai hoga’… aur wahaan aisa likha ho ‘jaisa tu chahe waisa hoga’ …”

These are just a few suggestions from my end, please feel free to share some more in the comments section below or convey them to me via my email id.