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KUALA LUMPUR – His story, as heartbreaking as it is, unfortunately, is not unique.
With 1.8 million infections and deaths expected to exceed 20,000 by the end of the week, the emotional cost of Covid-19 is immeasurable.
Here, we speak to one family who had been infected by the pandemic that resulted in the loss of a family member.
Inviting a relative for Christmas dinner proved fatal for Skye’s (real name withheld) 69-year-old father, who succumbed to the virus.
“Everything happened within the span of seven weeks and, just like that, we lost Pa,” he said.
The virus did not just infect just their father. The virus also infected Skye, his wife, mother and younger brother.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme would be two months away, which meant no one was shielded against the virus.
Like many, Skye’s family chose to be quarantined at home as they felt it was a much safer option than hospitals.
However, as days went by, he realised that his parents and wife’s health condition had worsened.
“Especially my dad. He had difficulties in breathing, and he thought it was wise to be admitted for observation and consultation in Selayang Hospital,” said the 38-year-old entrepreneur.
The situation, unfortunately, spiralled downward from there.
He explained he had to ferry them to the hospital as there were no available ambulances by the Health Ministry.
“That was stressful. Thank God two of them managed to come out earlier because their symptoms were not so serious while Pa continued to stay on,” he told The Vibes.
At first, his father managed to recuperate and was even due to be discharged but bacterial infection from the hospital aggravated his condition.
As a result, the family decided to move their father to a private hospital.
“He was getting a lot better, but because his immune system was weak, the bacteria spread fast, resulting in intubation.
“After that, everything just deteriorated. His lungs failed,” he said.
Following the death of his father, the family had to go for grief counselling.
Skye’s 67-year-old mother, a retired teacher, had it worst.
“She was quite reluctant to be on her own, especially during bedtime,” he recollected.
Speaking about his father, who was an accountant, Skye said his father, even on his deathbed, still gave sound advice, particularly in terms of fostering familial unity and to take great care of his mother.
“We were quite positive that he was going to come out (get discharged). So, we of course said; ‘Pa, don’t worry about it… you know, it will all be over soon’,” he said.
This brings home the importance of vaccination, said Skye, who received his first dose in July while the rest of the family are awaiting theirs.
“Once we get infected, it is entirely up to our immune system.
“To me, vaccines save lives. When vaccinated, at least I know that infection won’t be fatal.” – The Vibes, September 5, 2021
