Breaking the Stigma and Basic Remedies to Help COVID-19 Complications
Carlos Novelo
But even as Carlos Novelo pleas for the public to stay safe, a number of patients, who have tested positive, are complaining that their lives are being threatened. There is widespread cyber-bullying and a stigma against those who have tested positive when their identities are known. While those who have made public their status believe it is the responsible thing to do, Novelo says that there is need for support and empathy during this time. As he endures the pain associated with the virus, he speaks about basic remedies available at home to help with some of the symptoms that may manifest.
Carlos Novelo, COVID-19 Patient
“I really ask for empathy for people who have been afflicted with this disease. I think that is the best thing that we can do and whatever support that we can show—whether it is emotional, whether it is just “hey, are you okay? We are here for you.” Honestly it really helps a lot, it is very encouraging and I am also glad that none of us are really suffering from any serious symptoms; it can be managed at home or where we are isolated. A family member helped me with vaporizing so it really does help. For those who are having difficulty breathing, it helps and if you can’t, I can tell you right now. Hot water, cut lime, put some lime in there, cut some onion and put it in there as well and Vicks—whether you like it or not, Vicks does help. And then you just breathe in the vapour; it helps you breathe better. I have a very supportive community. I have a very supportive family and very, very small circle of friends who are very supportive and by extension, my fellow colleagues, pharmacists, they have reached out to me and I am very grateful for that. If there is one thing that I have learned is that San Pedro is a very caring community, when it comes to time of emergencies. I have seen it, I have experienced it; the community comes alive, the community comes together, the community helps each other. The last thing we need, as patients, is to be bullied, is to be blamed because we have already accepted it. Some of us are breaking down; I recently had a breakdown, but it is what it is and I have accepted the reality. And it is not easy to accept but we must do our best and follow the guidelines that they give us.”
The Ministry of Health also issued a statement on stigmatization. It warns that the psychological damage may be greater than the physical symptoms of the virus. M.O.H. urges the public to be supportive instead of bullying and asks those under threat, to seek support for mental health if so required.
