Coronavirus: Diabetic patient urges people with chronic conditions to act on Covid-19 danger signs

Doctors say an early Covid-19 test can prevent near-fatal deterioration in patients with underlying health conditions

A diabetic Covid-19 patient has urged people with chronic conditions to insist on a coronavirus test if symptoms of fever and cough persist and to seek admission to hospital.

Manoj MP, an aircraft maintenance engineer, was administered antibiotics at two clinics for a fever that lasted 10 days and was admitted to hospital only after he coughed blood.

The Dubai resident admits he initially didn't believe his condition was serious only for his health to swiftly deteriorate.

Doctors have warned that people with pre-existing health conditions including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and weakened immunity are at increased risk.

“I took it lightly in the beginning because I thought the cough and fever would subside. But it was after I saw blood that the clinic took an X-ray and saw my lungs were in bad shape,” said the 50-year-old who battled for 20 days on the ventilator.

“I didn’t realise how bad my condition was but when I bent to pick up a paper at the clinic, I realised something was seriously wrong. I was not able to get up and couldn’t breathe and then I knew it was more than fever.”

Mr Manoj was in a critical condition and barely able to breathe when taken by a friend to Emirates Hospital Jumeirah on April 2.

He was discharged on May 3 after a month in the intensive care unit.

He is recuperating at home in Dubai and has been advised rest until he fully recovers.

"This has been a traumatic experience that I wish nobody should experience," the father of two told The National.

You cannot go to the clinic and just wait for your test because you don't have that much time. Your lungs get infected so if you have fever for a few days you must get a Covid-19 test done

“I want to tell people with any underlying condition that you must insist on being checked in a hospital if you have continuous fever.

“You cannot go to the clinic and just wait for your test because you don’t have that much time. Your lungs get infected so if you have fever for a few days you must get a Covid-19 test done.”

Dr Maan Jamal, a consultant pulmonologist said if a swab test had been administered sooner, deterioration in the type 2 diabetic's condition could have been avoided.

“His treatment was delayed because he came to us after 10 days of being sick,” Dr Jamal said.

“My message to people with co-morbidities is to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have any signs suggestive of Covid-19. This means you should take care of diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, chronic lung disease and make sure to take medication as directed by your physician.”

Mr Manoj was administered hydroxychloroquine, antiviral favipiravir, antibiotics including meropenem and targocid, a blood thinner clexane and anti-inflammation drug tocilizumab.

“Mr Manoj’s condition was constantly fluctuating, he needed full oxygen support,” Dr Jamal said.

“At one stage he was found to have a cytokine storm. This is when the patient's clinical condition deteriorates and there was a worsening of his chest x-ray and increase in demand for oxygen.

“He slowly improved with continued treatment during the third week.”

A cytokine storm, an overreaction of the immune system, is often a major factor behind organ failure and death in critically ill coronavirus patients.

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

When this happens, substances called cytokines or small proteins attack the lungs and tissues of the patient instead of protecting them.

“When a patient requires very high ventilator support, many can lose hope and think the patient is going to die,” said Dr Mohamed Gamal Abousaleh, head of the intensive care unit, about Mr Manoj.

“But we shouldn’t lose hope on any patient whatever his condition because as some point he will improve like Mr Manoj.”

Speaking to his family who live in Australia on the ipad from the ICU was an emotional experience for Mr Manoj.

“We cried for a long time before we could even speak. For more than a month they could only get information about me from the hospital,” he said.

“Physically and mentally this has taken a big toll on me and I want to tell people with health conditions not to lose time if they fall ill.”