Saturday morning at eight on WCLK's The Local Take I reached out to a friend who was recently diagnosed with the Covid-19 Coronavirus and was hospitalized. At this point, five months into the pandemic most of us know someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Unfortunately some even have friends and family members who have died from the illness.
I was alarmed when I found out that my classmate from graduate school had been diagnosed and was in the hospital. His wife, Dr. LaTisha Marshall, is researcher and public health professional. He also has two sons.
I asked Rasheed how he knew something was wrong and what was the symptom that he couldn't ignore. He speaks to extreme fatigue, a constant temperature over 100 degrees and a severe headache. Instead of getting better, he was feeling worse each day.
When his wife took him to the hospital, he thought he'd get medicine and be able to leave. Unfortunately he was admitted to hospital. After a five day stay without having to be put on a ventilator he was able to return home. He spoke about the people who were in the hospital before he arrived and were still there when he left. He urges everyone to take Covid-19 seriously.
I asked if knew where he contracted the disease and what he plans to do differently since recovering.
A reminder to everyone to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, try not to touch your face and if you must go out, please wear a mask.