A New York man shared an emotional hug with his daughters on Tuesday after spending the past 80 days battling the coronavirus. Alfredo Hércules, 39, first tested positive on January 2, according to Catholic Health Hospital Mercy, where he was treated for the disease.
Tuesday’s exciting moment was celebrated by the team that helped look after him during his stay.
(Hospital of the Catholic Mercy of Health)
At first, his symptoms were like flu, but over the week they progressed enough that his wife sent him to the hospital. In addition to the coronavirus, he was also diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Throughout his stay, he received intensive care unit treatment, inpatient rehabilitation, acute, respiratory, emergency and other care, according to the hospital.
Alfredo Hércules is portrayed with several employees who helped to look after him during his stay of months.
(Hospital of the Catholic Mercy of Health)
“Alfredo was in very bad shape when he came to us,” said Dr. Perry Stein, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation, in a hospital press release. “When you have COVID-19 and it affects your breathing, it can be torture, but Alfredo worked hard every day. He showed incredible perseverance and stamina and I give him all the credit for working so far.”
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Although it is unclear where Hercules contracted the virus, he was eventually considered healthy enough to be discharged. On Tuesday, after being released, he returned to hug his daughters for the first time since the positive test, and the moment was celebrated by many employees who helped to take care of him.
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Although he is recovering, Hercules will still use an oxygen tank while he is at home.