Ukrainian doctor in New York got COVID-19, but continues to work and urges others not to panic

A Ukrainian doctor who contracted coronavirus from patients in New York spoke about his symptoms. He urged not to go to hospitals for those with minor symptoms and no lung problems. The publication shares the details "Voice of America".

Ukrainian Vitaly Shama works as a physician in New York. He contracted the coronavirus when he examined patients, but continues to work to this day, albeit remotely.

“I completely lost my sense of smell - all food is now like cotton wool,” the doctor complains.

With a common cold, Vitaly noted, he has a certain algorithm of actions how to return to normal life: a few days of bed rest, another day or two so that the disease recedes completely, and you can return to work. But COVID-19 is different.

“In case of coronavirus, even in a mild form - three or four days of temperature, then lay down, it seemed to get better, and then it was bad again,” he states.

Vitaly has completely lost his sense of smell: "You don't sneeze, there are no problems with your nose - the scent just disappears by itself."

Shama lives in New York with his family. However, about a week before he fell ill, his wife and children left for another state. In order not to infect the family, he asked them not to return yet.

“When I passed the smear and saw that it was positive, I immediately realized: there is no point in returning them, because I am infecting them,” Vitaly explained.

On the subject: Most had a chronic illness: who dies of a coronavirus in New York

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, Ukrainian colleagues try to rent separate housing or live with friends who have no families.

“In order not to carry the virus home,” he said.

Vitaliy said that he is trying to drink plenty of fluids in order to overcome the virus. He brought down the temperature only when it reached 38,5 ° C.

Now the doctor works remotely. With new patients, he noted, it is difficult for him to work. And with the old - it’s easier, because he saw them and knows what problems they have.

“Even without COVID they have a difficult condition, many of them are on oxygen (in an oxygen mask. - Ed.), many are on inhalers, that is, their lungs are affected, ”he said.

“In Ukraine, they do not work with chronic patients in such detail as in America. Therefore, people with the same symptoms in the United States are still alive, - said Vitaly.

For those who have noticed symptoms characteristic of the virus, the doctor recommends: “If the lungs are not affected, you do not need to go to the hospital, because it may not be COVID. But in a hospital, the risk of infection is much higher than at home. ”

Shama added that many are ill almost asymptomatically. Therefore, first of all, you need to think about people who have complications due to infection with coronavirus. Those who do not have such problems should just isolate themselves at home, the doctor believes.