Finally, got the first shot of Covid vaccine

Getting vaccinated against Covid 19 has become a thing of utmost priority for everyone, as that’s the only way we can protect ourselves. I was waiting eagerly for the vaccination to begin for 18+ groups and the moment it happened, logged in to Cowin website to book my slot. But finding a slot for vaccination in this category was no less than winning a lottery ticket, as slot weren’t easily available. I even joined a telegram group to get information about vaccination and my phone used to keep buzzing throughout the day with notification alerts.  At one point I was so frustrated that I gave up on vaccination.

Then one day, randomly while checking the website, I found a slot for first dose, my happiness knew no bound, when I was able to book a slot for myself. I received an SMS on my phone about my vaccination schedule and I used to keep checking it whether, it was for real or not?

On the day for vaccination, I decided to go alone and got ready but my dad said he would accompany me. I told him, I will manage by myself but he was adamant, so we went together to the vaccination center. There was little crowd there but the parking area was relatively free, so I was bit relaxed. My center was at a government school so I had ample place for everything.

After initial verification I was given a token number and directed to one of the class room, it was huge. That classroom took me back to school days when we used to sit in benches and look at blackboards. Fortunately people who had gathered for vaccination there, were sensible enough to maintain physical distancing unlike at other places.

After waiting for almost an hour, my token number was called and I went another building, where once again my details were verified. They even asked few question about allergies and did I get covid in the past 30 days? Since my response was No, I was directed to the vaccination room. There two staff were vaccinating two person at a given time. My number also came and I took my seat and I was inoculated with first dose.

Immediately after inoculation, I was directed to observation room for the next 30 minutes. I took a corner side in that room, as it relatively empty. For the next 30 minutes, I was glued to phone, reading articles and chatting with friends. After 30 minutes, the staff in the room called my name and told me to go, I thanked her and left the room.

The moment I stepped out of that building, saw dad waiting for me near the exit point. While walking towards the parking space, I felt little discomfort but the moment got into car, everything vanished into thin air.

I had already kept my clothes in bathroom and towel outside, so that I can enter the house in towel and leave my clothes in water to be washed later. After shower, I was all fine and put the clothes in washing machine. I visited cowin website and downloaded my certificate, a must in some cases.

After lunch, had the medicine which was given to me at the vaccination center. I drank lot of water that day to keep myself hydrated, a suggestion give to me by my cousin. Later in the evening, I could feel little pain in the arm where I was injected. I retired to bed little early that day but next day, when I got up, I could feel my head was heavy and was not feeling great. I was aware about it, as I had already spoken to my cousins who got inoculated before me.

By afternoon, I felt little feverish so I had the next dose of the medicine and slept in afternoon, rare gesture by me, unless I am too tired. After getting up in evening, I was still little drowsy and by 8 pm, I developed severe body ache, especially lower back. I get such aches only during fever but that night I was not feverish but the pain was dominant.

After struggling with pain for two hours, I slept off. Day two was little better but not completely fine for me but better when compared to day one. Pain on the arm was there, so I ensured no one touches that part of my body. Still mom touched that particular point accidently and I was forced to endure the pain.

Other than heaviness of head and pain in arm, day two was fine for me and I was also able to sleep at night without any body aches. On day three, I was all fine.

I was fortunate to get vaccination but there are still many people in my vicinity from the same age bracket, yet to be vaccinated. I helped one or two people with the registration process but booking slot is not in my hand as one has be hyper active about it. I wish soon a large of chuck of population is partially vaccinated at least because something is better than nothing.

I would like to
thank all staffs who are part of this mass vaccination drive, it’s not easy but these people are working tirelessly for a covid free India.

Journey from a colleague to BFF during lockdown

 

I don’t think the lockdown of 2020, would be something that people will easily forget. It was the first time, when people were forced to stay home and spend more time indoors than outdoors. This gave many people an opportunity to re-connect with their family members and friends. I too connected with couple of my school friends during last year’s lockdown. My takeaway against all the hardships I faced during the lockdown was, I found a BFF.

I had known Ms A (let’s keep it that way), for couple years as we were colleagues at work place. During that time our interaction was limited as, we were in different teams and we had a lot on our table to finish for the day too. I left the organization an year after Ms A joined but we were in touch through messages and WhatsApp occasionally.

But during last year’s lockdown, Ms A, called me one evening. After enquiring about my well-being, she told something to me, which she wanted to tell me for a long time but something, stopped her from conveying it to me. Her revelation shocked me a bit as I was already aware about few things. But what surprised me was that, she really cared for me and I didn’t know about it. We both realized that, we wasted few years in opening up with each other, for the fears best known to each other. My suggestion to all my readers is, please talk openly about things with people who matter to you, otherwise you may also loose time like me and my BFF.

I must say that evening was all about surprises for me, I asked Ms A, what made her call me? She said, “’my husband told me talk to my friends, I will feel better’. The only person whom, she could think about at that moment was me, let me tell you, till the moment she called me, we just colleagues, not friends.

We spoke for close to two hours that evening, as we had a lot to discuss, which we missed during the years. Once we disconnected the call, I was wondering, WHY WE DIDN’T CONNECT BEFORE? But I made a promise to myself that, I will meet Ms A, once the situation normalizes.  When I was glued in those thoughts, I received a WhatsApp notification, it was from Ms A, where she stated, she had great time talking to me and will connect again when time permits. I replied her back with a smiley.

After that day, whenever time permitted, we would talk to each other, at least for an hour. Since Ms A is quite busy in her personal life and rarely find time to talk to me, I too made an exception for her. If I talking to someone and Ms A’s, call is in call waiting mode, I will pick Ms A’s call on priority. I think we can make such changes for people based on their situations at times.  

Last week Ms A called me, but this call jolted me completely as she made some shocking revelations. Though the call started on a jovial mode as usual but ended on a serious note. We all know pandemic has been hard on people especially for nuclear families. Value of family support was one of the best lessons taught through lockdown, when people were cut off the world for days together.

Ms A has decided to shift to her hometown from Bangalore, I remember she once discussed this idea with me but she was not quite sure about it. Before moving out of city, she wanted to meet all her friends in the city. But the stringent lockdown in Bangalore has poured water to all her plans as social get together’s are banned in the city, in wake of acute covid situation.

Even if the relaxations are eased, yet she can’t meet anyone, as she is leaving at city at the earliest. The moment I heard this news, I regretted not being able to meet her when situations were better in the city. Even if the situation improves, we will still not be able to meet each other because currently we are in two different cities. I am in Kerala and she is in Bangalore.

Ms A, told me that she might come back to Bangalore, when situation improves and then she will plan for a get together with all her Bangalore based friends, till then it’s a good bye from her. All this while I was hopeful of catching up with Ms A, sometime as she was in the city but now, I don’t know. That’s the reason, people say we should not take things for granted.

I just hope one day, we will meet in person and talk a lot, as we have many similar interest, one among them is we both are passionate about writing. Till then me and Ms A will be connected through phone calls only.  Even now, I am yet come to terms to the fact that Ms A, is leaving the city, I think that’s the bond between BFFs.  If, I can be grateful for the one thing about lockdown then it has to be, Ms A. But I so wish, I could meet her once before she left the city, an expectation far from reality.

Second dose of Covid vaccine to mom

 Getting my mom inoculated with the first dose of Covid 19 vaccine, was seamless when compared with the administration of second dose. For the first dose, I just booked her schedule through cowin website and took her to the concerned hospital, got her injected and we were back home but it wasn’t the case with her second dose.

As my mom’s second vaccination’s dose date was approaching, I tried to book a schedule for her through Cowin website but I was not able to find the schedule for her. This rang an alarm bell and I knew getting the second dose will not a cake walk. So I tried looking out for slot every now and then but the outcome remained the same.

Finally one day, I got a schedule and we were too happy about it. This hospital was little far from our place, still we decided to go ahead. When we reached the hospital after so many struggles, we were informed that vaccine is out of stock. I was like, what’s next because both mom and me, were clueless now.

We were back home disappointed and I was trying to figure out ways to get my mom vaccinated. I was even filled with guilt too, as I was the one who persuaded her to get vaccinated. I was scared about any adverse effect of vaccine, if administered beyond the stipulated time. Mom too was little worried and anxious and kept checking with me about the status of her next schedule.

Then one day we read in paper that for second dose, we have to get in touch with our ASHA worker, as online booking has been barred now. Mom immediately called her and she too informed mom that vaccine is out of stock now but she will inform us when vaccine is available.

One day while checking vaccine schedule for my mom, I saw the hospital near our home has been fully booked for vaccination. Immediately I called the ASHA worker and informed her about it, she told stock has just arrived and she will book my mom for the next available slot. After a day, I called the ASHA worker again and she informed that she has scheduled my mom’s vaccination appointment. I was little relaxed but was not too amused by this news. I wanted to enjoy, only after getting my mom inoculated with the vaccine, any celebrations before that was meaningless.

The date allotted for my mom’s vaccination was during the stringent lockdown announced in the state of Kerala. Though the government circular, made it clear the people going for vaccination will be not stopped, still ground reality couldn’t be judged sitting at home. That was another worry for me, second dosage was in the midst of so many worries, unlike the first shot, which was pretty cool.

A day before vaccination one of our neighbor uncle came to me and said he along with his wife would like to accompany us for vaccination. As they too got the same date and the center was also the same, they were also due for their second dose.

 

On vaccination day, we all left in my car for the vaccination center with all relevant documents to substantiate our claim for vaccination. This time my mom didn’t receive an sms confirming her vaccination schedule, so I was bit wary whether cops will allow us to go to the center.

As expected, cops stopped us and uncle told them, we are going for vaccination and they allowed us to travel, first hurdle of the path was cleared. Vaccination center was crowded, I didn’t expect so many people there, especially during lockdown.

My mom, uncle and aunty went inside the center and asked me to stay in the car only. Fortunately I got a shaded place to park the car and waited there till for almost three hours till my mom, uncle and aunty returned back, after being inoculated. My feeling at that time was, I have won a big war against all odds.  Getting the second shot of vaccine for my mom was, no less than a war for me and my mom.

Before making their way to the car, I sanitized their hands and checked their phones for the sms notification, intimating about the second dose. It was important for us, to show to the cops on road, who might ask for proof of vaccination.

Our way back home was pretty smooth, though cops stopped us but they didn’t ask much and allowed us to go. Back home after shower, I downloaded the final vaccination certificate for my mom on her phone and asked her to keep it handy.

Mental health during Lockdown

 

Talking about mental health has always been taboo topic among masses, as the outlook of society towards it is demeaning. That’s the reason, people seeking counseling from professionals, try to keep it a secret. But the lockdown and the subsequent quarantine has changed, the perception of people towards mental health and topics related to it.

Now the word lockdown itself, gives so much pressure to people to people that, they don’t know, what to do next? Lockdown comes with a silence in our environment, the busy streets suddenly become dull and void, which it give shivers down the spine. I think it’s the silence that is more intimidating than anything else.

During lockdown last year, I was all alone in Bangalore in my flat and was too scared about what will happen next to me. There were times, I thought, I won’t be able to sail through the pandemic and I might die all alone in my flat, away from my parents. That was the time, when I missed my parents the most. My second biggest fear was, if something happens to my parents, who will take care of them? In totality lockdown has forced people to develop lot fear, which they never anticipated coming their way.

The notification issued by government and its implementation on ground leads to numerous confusion, which again adds to another fear amongst law abiding citizens. They are confused about whom to follow, the notifications or the ground reality. These confusion leads to a storm of posts on various social media platforms. This new fears gets added to the already existing list of fears among masses.

Last year I came across many videos of violence and brutality on masses when they ventured out, in some cases to buy essentials. I must say, some clips were so brutal that force us to think ‘Does humanity still exist in this world? Such incidents engulf so much fear in the mind of people that they decide to stay indoors, even in case of emergencies and also contemplated about committing suicide, courtesy there helpless situation. Who should be held responsible for such deaths?

Lockdowns are usually implemented for 2 weeks initially and then extended further, depending on the situation. These unprecedented announcements also take a toll on the mental well-being of individuals because people aren’t usually prepared for an extension. Some people would have planned for some events like wedding, engagement, job relocation etc after the lockdown. An extensive lockdown will play spoil sport to their plans, which could be hamper them financially, personally and also in terms of their career. Such situations, give tremendous psychological pressure to individual, which can lead to major health issues too.

Many people have lost their jobs due to lockdown and the ones who have retained their jobs, have to undergo pay cut and had adapt to work from home culture. Fear of losing job is one of the biggest fear many employees are countering on a daily basis. Because it’s not easy to find a new job in this pandemic, hence people are forced to stick to their job, irrespective of the situation at work.  Families are dependent on the earnings of working people, in the absence of it, life will be miserable for people.  There have been instances where people were left jobless and took their life due to their inability to look after their family.

 Our laptops, tablets and smart phones become dearer to us during lockdown, as these are the only means available to us for communicating to the outside world. God forbid, if any these devices go for a toss, how will people keep themselves engaged during these tiring times? During lockdown most of the laptop and mobile repair shops will be closed, so people will be left with no option but to stay home till lockdown is lifted. In the absence of any source of entertainment, people might slip into depression which is dangerous especially during lockdown.

In totality, it is the masses who suffer the most during lockdowns, which can have an adverse risk in their mental health. Many a times people will not understand that there mental health is being impacted because of lot of other things going in their mind. This carelessness usually cost them dearly later.

I have just pointed out few things, which affects the mental health of people during lockdown, these are based on mine and my friend’s experiences.  And I think every time we under a lockdown irrespective of the location, feeling will remain the same.

Vaccinating my mom with Covid 19 vaccine

 

We all waited with bated breath for Covid 19 vaccine from the moment,  Corona was termed as  pandemic and we all went into covid inducted lockdown. Scientists across globe worked relentlessly to find a suitable vaccine candidate, to temporarily arrest the virus and give some relief to people. Usually vaccines are produced after researching for years but with covid 19, scientist didn’t had the luxury of time with them, as they had to come out with the vaccine in the shortest possible time with some efficacy too.

I was always glued to the news of vaccine, as I thought vaccine would end the pandemic and we will be able to lead a normal life. So when the news of vaccine reached my ears, I was over joyed, finally there was something for us to fight the virus. Best part was my parents were eligible to be vaccinated in the first phase only. As they fell under the vulnerable category and I was always worried about them.

I was behind my parents to get vaccinated but they were reluctant as they want to see the impact on vaccinated people before taking a call. I also wanted to be with my parents when they get vaccinated, to be on the safer, in case of mild side effects. My mom volunteered first for vaccination, kudos to her. I immediately booked an appointment for her through Cowin website, before she changes her mind. I must say the registration process was too quick and user friendly.

On the day of vaccination we reached the vaccination center on time, we had opted for a government facility, here in Kerala. There was huge queue at the center, as some people had reached the place for spot registration too along with online registration. Since we had registered online, we were directed to queue which was smaller when compared to on spot registration one.

At the counter, my mom’s credentials were verified one more time and she was asked to move to the waiting area for vaccination. I was asked to leave the facility and wait outside as family members or attendants are not allowed inside the vaccination room. So I left counter and waited outside for my mom to come out from the exit door.

After 45 minutes, I saw my mom coming out of the hospital. I immediately went to her and enquired about the vaccination along with her health, she said, she is fine. Then we drove back home, first thing we did after reaching home was to dip our clothes in water and then head for shower. We were at a hospital for more than an hour and we didn’t want to take any kind of risk. We had already kept things handy before going to hospital, so things were pretty easy for us.

I checked my mom’s phone after we were little relaxed and noticed that the moment, she was inoculated, a sms was sent to her phone about the vaccine she was injected with. Then I logged in to cowin website again and noticed, my mom has been issued a partial vaccination certificate too. When I downloaded it, I saw it had full details about her vaccine, including the name of the staff who inoculated her. I didn’t face any difficulty in inoculating my mom with the first dose of the vaccine, hope the legacy continues for 2^nd dose too.

That was my experience of getting my mom vaccinated against the novel corona virus, I hope dad to agree for vaccination soon and he get his shots also. Currently, the only way we can protect our parents is by getting them vaccinated, there will be resistance from their side but we as kids should convince them and if possible accompany them for vaccination. Our parents need us the most especially during this pandemic time, I realized it, when I came to be with them.

My first Covid test

 

Going to a pathology lab for any kind of bodily or non-bodily test has been a traumatizing experience for me. I can’t heave a sigh of relief unless my reports have been approved normal by doctors. So I generally avoid such test unless absolutely necessary. But undergoing covid test was mandatory, for me as per the guidelines laid down by Kerala state for inter-state travelers.

I didn’t sleep whole night thinking about the result of the test result, though I didn’t had any symptoms still a test report will reaffirm my belief as well as that of my family members, especially my dad. His policy was very clear, till your test results come, father son emotions are down. A negative report will rekindle the emotion of a father for his son. My dad is too scared of covid as well as people undergoing quarantine.

My sleep was disrupted at 3.00 am on the day of the test, after I couldn’t sleep despite my best efforts. By 7.00 am I got up from bed and tried to meditate to divert my attention but I failed here too. By 9.00 am I had my breakfast and I was all set to go for the test. But I couldn’t go as my appointment was scheduled for 12 noon, I called the lab one more time to confirm my schedule.

I still had 2 more hours to go and I didn’t know how to pass those 2 hours. So I diverted my attention to the laptop, to watch some series which interest me. When I watch action thriller series or movie, I get so engrossed in it, that I forget myself for some time. This trick usually work for me and this time too it worked.

Before heading out for the hospital, my aunt told me to keep my clothes ready in bathroom so that I can directly head for shower. Thanks to corona, a shower is mandatory after an outside visit, especially from hospitals.

At 11.30 am I finally left home for the test, I was driving the car and my uncle was on his bullet to guide me the way. We didn’t travel in the same vehicle because my test results were yet to come and it was a precautionary measure.

By 12.00 pm I reached the hospital and reported at the reception counter.  I was asked to fill some forms before the test, which I did promptly. After that I was directed to the test area, with the forms. One attendant took my form along with the money and asked me to wait for my turn. 

After 2 patients my name was called and I went inside, I was too scared (my cousin told me, she experience nasal pain for 2 days after the test). So I told the guy to be gentle and he told me to relax and sit back.

He inserted a swab first in my left nose, it was little irritating but had to bear it. When he took the swab out I was happy as I thought I was done with the test. But my happiness was short lived, when he put swab in my right nose. It was then that I realized that swabs are put in both nostrils. Finally, I was done with my first covid test.

I was told that within 10 mins my results will be out, this was the longest 10 minutes of the day. I think my day that day was all about diverting my attention, first it was for the test now for its result. I bet people across globe will want this one test report to be negative to be happy while it is vice versa for pregnancy test.

After 10 mins, my name was called out and I went there with bated breath, the attendant told its negative. But I didn’t hear it correctly the first time, obviously because of anxiety, so I request him to repeat, he obliged. I can’t express in words my excitement at that moment, I just wanted to hug someone tightly then but I controlled my emotions, as I was in a hospital.

I informed my uncle about the result and called my parents too, as they had called me couple of time by now enquiring about the result.

Journey back home was joyful, as I was getting relieved about from my quarantine that day.  

My first mandatory quarantine in Kerala

 

I wanted to visited Kerala and be with my parents for a long time but 7 days of mandatory quarantine, forced me to stay back in Bangalore. I was under the assumption, that one day quarantine norm will be quashed and I will travel. Other reason for me to dodge quarantine was, I am claustrophobic and I wasn’t sure, if I will be able to survive for 7 days in a closed room, all by myself.

Later I realized that this quarantine norm is going off anytime soon, so I decided to visit my parents after a year (longest so far). For quarantine, I zeroed upon my aunt’s house, where my cousin sister had successfully completed her quarantine period.

I landed up at my aunt’s place by evening 6 pm and directly went to the room allotted to me, followed by a quick shower. Since, I was too tired due to exhaustive journey, I took rest for some time and for the l dinner to be served and immediately dozed off to bed.

Next day, my aunt said, full first floor is for you, so you can go to other rooms also, instead of being confined to one room itself. It gave me a fresh breeze of life as I could freely roam to other rooms of the floor without any fear. This made my life little pleasant full as being confined to a room was too monotonous.

I had planned lot of activities for those 7 days of quarantine but nothing materialized. As most of the time my ears were glued to the staircase, as my aunt would get me sometime things to eat at regular interval. Any sound on the staircase was an indication that someone is coming up. Usually I don’t feel that hungry but during those 7 days, I was starving most of the time, hence ate a lot and piled up some weight too.

My only way to communicate with the members of the house was through a glass panel. It was little difficult but good for the current situation. My dad was enjoying this scenario a lot. Couple of time, I felt like a new creature in zoo and people are visiting the place, to get a glimpse of me. But I was happy, in that situation too, as I was in the company of my loved ones.

First two days of quarantine were spend in taking rest as I was too tired due to hectic travel and my right feet was aching too. Since it was travel related ache, I decided to stay away from medicines and applied ice pack at the effect area, it severed the purpose for me.

I was very particular about few things during my quarantine period, first was to meditate daily, drink lukewarm water, eat healthy food at regular interval and take lukewarm water shower. Lukewarm shower because water is little cold in Kerala as they are pumped from well directly and people who are not used to this water, will get cold immediately. And I wanted to avoid falling sick especially during the quarantine period.

My friends and family members would call me frequently to keep a tab on me, so I was usually engaged with someone over call. Evening from 5pm – 7pm, I would at the balcony to get some fresh air and could see people walking down the road along with some vehicular movement. This was my, “me time” when, I didn’t want to take phone calls but enjoy the beauty of nature, as balcony would open to rubber plantation.

Despite all these activities, I felt lonely at times, then I would watch some movie or web series in my laptop. Based on my personal experience, I can say that it’s better to be quarantined with someone. Because sometimes your energy level goes down, there will be someone who will understand your situation better than others. Basic reason for energy level to go down was about the probable outcome of covid test, that people have to take after their quarantine period. This happens usually when are approaching towards the end of your quarantine period.

To sum up I can say that, quarantine period is like spending quality time at a resort where food and all basic amenities will be taken care for you but a visit to the pool or other places are barred.  In totality, I can say that my quarantine period was not that bad as I expected it to be, still I don’t to experience it again unless I have a quarantine partner.