Raleigh, NC – Stanley McHenry, who describes himself as a “tough guy”, was a Durham county deputy for 31 years before a dangerous contact with COVID-19.
“He (the job) prepares you for almost everything that may come, although I don’t know if I was fully prepared for it,” said McHenry.
The 66-year-old man said he usually walks five to six kilometers with his wife. They wear masks in public, maintain social distance as much as possible and practice hand hygiene regularly. He is not sure where he was exposed to the virus.
In the week before Christmas, the first symptoms of runny nose and mild fatigue appeared, so McHenry auditioned for COVID-19.
A day or two later, I learned that the test was positive.
The brain fog and confusion settled. Soon after, he passed out at home.
“On December 24, 25, 26 and 27, I have absolutely no recollection,” said McHenry.
At Duke Raleigh Hospital, McHenry developed COPD and needed help breathing.
Her doctor, Dr. Amal Youseff, said that many people expect their symptoms to get worse before seeking help. “The problem is that we don’t know who’s going to make it light and who’s going to get worse,” she said.
After four days in the hospital, McHenry remembers waking up. He panicked, removing his IV line and monitoring devices.
“I literally had no idea why I was there,” he said.
After McHenry understood his condition, he found it difficult to adjust. He described it as “almost like a feeling of depression because no one can visit you there.”
After showing progress, McHenry was released from the hospital on January 5 only to return six days later, after another lung infection. In all, he said, he spent 11 days at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
While there, he participated in a trial for Remdesivir.
According to Youseff, as is the case with blind tests, McHenry may or may not have received the drug that can help fight infections and provide temporary immunity.
The test requirements meant that McHenry had to wait 90 days before obtaining long-term protection with a vaccine.
“Then, on March 31, I will be somewhere with a medical professional sticking a needle in my arm. That is my plan,” he said.
“No one should think that they should fight it (COVID-19) on their own,” said Youseff. “It is a serious illness. Everyone should seek help when they experience symptoms or at least are diagnosed.”
According to Youseff, people who do not experience a drop in oxygen levels will receive guidance from medical professionals and will be able to quarantine at home.
If more serious symptoms appear, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and especially if a fever is detected, she advises people not to wait for the condition to get worse. Seek medical attention immediately.