Positive mind, chyawanprash & my vitamins helped me battle the virus

Kiran M Shaw

Last June I was half hoping that I contracted Covid-19 to overcome the paranoia and the suspense that has taken over our lives. I was also expecting the infection to be mild and short lived. My Covid-19 experience has matched these expectations and I hope that it allays the fear of the virus.  

My first symptoms were a mild feverish feeling late evening on August 16. I had felt similar symptoms in early June and I tested negative so I just took a Crocin and thought it would take care of it. The next morning though, I continued to feel feverish and I measured it – 99°F. 

That’s when I decided to test myself and my entire household as I have my 89 year-old-mother, a cancer survivor and my 71-year-old husband, a cancer patient to worry about. I immediately self quarantined in a separate room and waited anxiously for the test results. At 5pm I was told that I tested positive but that everyone else at home including my staff tested negative. Mercifully, the virus spared my mother and my husband. 

My medicines comprised Favipiravir, Azithromycin and Paracetamol, along with my daily dose of vitamins and Chyawanprash. I was also advised 200mg dose of HCQ twice a week.

My daily routine changed from meetings and calls to measuring my oxygen saturation levels at least six times a day. This put me at ease- psychologically I would feel good. I did a brisk 6 minute walk daily along with yoga. 

And every time I had frequent bouts of sweating I realised that my body was fighting the virus.

For someone who is a conscious eater, coronavirus made me more cautious. I did not experience any loss of appetite and stuck to a diet of fruit, vegetables, lentils and cereal. Soups and salads were a daily feature for my meals. 

Staying positive throughout is key to fighting the virus. Negativity can seep in easily with the grim situation around the world. But my constant companions were Netflix and Amazon Prime.

My advice would be stay away from social media and avoid TV. Negative news is bad for fighting Covid-19!

• Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is the chairperson and managing director of Biocon Limited