I tested positive for #COVID19 3 weeks back. Following which my entire family consisting of my younger sister, grandmother and parents were too detected positive. I am happy to share we are safe and back home. Also, there a few things I'd like to share so a thread.

1) COVID-19 is powerful. My father was sick for 15 days and was on oxygen support for more than a week. It was tough time for family and friends and it was prayers that have brought him home safely. I have fever and pneumonia like conditions for first 3 days.

2) I was so tired that I couldn't even move for few days. This disease breaks you from the inside especially the elderly. My grandmother and my sibling were asymptomatic and experienced lost of taste and smell. It is different for everyone. Some have severe symptoms like my dad.

3) Some have mild to no symptoms at all. But rest and meditation will help you go a long way. Avoid speaking on the phone for too long and eat adequate healthy food for meals.

4) After I got tested and told my friends and relatives the first thing few of them asked was " WHY DID YOU GET TESTED, this is normal flu due to rainy season.. your city (Mt. Abu) has hardly any cases".. I kinda beleived that I shouldn't have it done.. what if I'm positive??

5) Some told me that " Don't tell anyone about it or else your neighbours will judge you!!" IT IS A FUCKING PANDEMIC AND ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN BE AFFECTED. Society has always been stupid and will continue to do so..

6) If you feel any kind of symptoms, get yourself tested and isolate yourself. Please

7) Coronavirus is very exhausting for the body and if that's not enough it takes a huge toll on your mental health too. Mainly because you have seen so much on the net and heard all the news and your mind keeps on wandering towards the negatives.

8) Also, this isolation will eat your head and it is so difficult to just lock yourself in your own room and God forbid if there is need for hospitalised care.. it is even worse. My family was separated in 3 parts..

9) My dad in ICU, I'm locked in a room and rest of my family was in a quarantine center(due to govt. rules the local authorities didn't permit home quarantine). Also, you don't feel like eating as your taste simply goes awayyy...

10) My sense of smell was absolute zero.. couldn't even recognise the smell of VICKS. Trust me, this feeling is very irritating and to me this pestered me a lot.

11) If you do get infected, there is probably nothing to worry about if you don't have an underlying condition. You will be fine. It is important to keep yourself mentally strong. Don't be afraid of testing. Don't be afraid of corona. Own it up and fight with your full strength.

12) You are stronger than the virus. It helped to talk to a friend who had gone through it and could advise. Also, the stigma that has developed over time makes things worse. I know.. I belong to a small town where everyone knows everyone. Our house help has refused to work now.

13) People give indifferent looks. You hear the corona corona hush hush everytime someone walks by your house. Suddenly people start adjusting or putting on their masks once they see you. It is taking a huge toll on me personally now. It was the first time I went out after Aug 2.

14) It is important to be kind to someone who has already been through so much.. #MentalHealthMatters and it important to be available for everyone out there seeking help. And this is why I have put this thread out here.

15) If you or anyone you know has any questions about it, I'll be more than willing to help. Please stay strong, safe and take care of your loved ones.