Omicron... I Was No Exception... "The Entire Nation Must Become Their Own Primary Care Physician"

On the 11th, mild positive result with two faint lines on self-test after coughing symptoms... Next morning, visited local ENT clinic, rapid antigen test also positive, followed by PCR test... On the 14th, confirmed positive at health center... Started the real fight against Omicron; after one week, self-test negative and quarantine lifted... Must become the nation's primary doctor and a warrior to fight and win against infectious diseases.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] As of midnight on the 19th, 381,454 new COVID-19 cases were reported. Out of our total population of about 52 million, 9,038,938 people have already been infected.

In Seoul, the cumulative number of confirmed cases has surpassed 2 million, meaning 1 in 5 Seoul citizens has been infected with COVID-19.

In particular, as an Omicron case, I was no exception. These days, even Seoul district office employees are being infected in large numbers. On the 19th, I heard that a dear junior colleague tested positive along with his daughter and was suffering from a sore throat. Other staff members also barely overcame the infection.

It is unfortunate to be going through the same pain.

◇Fearsome Spread of Omicron with Unknown Infection Sources

On the afternoon of the 11th, while returning home after banking, I started coughing. The previous day was the 20th presidential election, and I had only slept for three hours. My physical condition was not good, but I had to go to work in the morning. After that, I had contact with only a handful of people in the morning.

At first, I did not realize it was Omicron. However, by evening, I started feeling uneasy. So, I took a self-test kit I had recently received. Two faint lines appeared. It looked positive.

I had heard countless stories of others testing positive, but when it became my own issue, my worry grew even more.

On the morning of the 12th, I visited an ENT clinic within my apartment complex. More than 20 people were already waiting in line at the hospital.

When my turn came, I took a rapid antigen test inside the examination room. The doctor called me in and said it was “positive.” The doctor also performed a PCR test.

The PCR test result from the hospital came back positive on the morning of the 14th, and the health center sent a message instructing me to self-quarantine until midnight on the 18th.

Later that afternoon, a health center official called to ask about my symptoms. I replied, “No particular symptoms, just a hoarse throat.”

◇Overcoming the Illness with Doctor-Prescribed Medication and Personal Health Management

The battle with Omicron began. I diligently took the five-day course of pills prescribed by the doctor. Even at home, wearing a mask was a basic rule.

To prevent transmission to family members through droplets, I had to wear a mask whenever I went to the living room or bathroom.

I also ventilated and disinfected the room and living room frequently.

Along with this, I mixed Teraflu powder medicine, which helps with muscle pain, fever, and headaches, in water and drank it intermittently.

I even took it before sleeping.

I also occasionally drank red ginseng extract mixed in warm water.

By treating the virus with medication and supplementing immunity, I managed my health.

Since I had no pain, I continued riding an indoor bicycle every morning and evening. I also kept taking vitamin C after meals.

Having completed three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and maintaining a habit of health management, I took care of my body accordingly.

On the 17th, I felt back to normal. So, I took another self-test, which came out “negative.” Only a very faint single line appeared.

When a health center staff member called in the afternoon to ask, “How are your symptoms?” I said, “No particular symptoms. The self-test came out negative.” They replied, “You don’t need to take a self-test. Your quarantine will be lifted at midnight today.”

Still, I felt relieved after testing negative again.

Since I had no severe pain, I was able to work normally from home, even writing articles, which was fortunate.

However, I was worried about my family. My throat was slightly hoarse, possibly due to droplets from my breath infecting them. There were no other symptoms, and the self-test was negative.

I am drinking Teraflu and eating well. Thankfully.

On the morning of the 17th, a health center staff member called again and said, “Your self-quarantine will be lifted from midnight on the 18th,” and asked about symptoms. I again replied, “No particular symptoms.”

I went out on the 19th.

The feeling of liberation was immense. Only after being confined can one truly appreciate the value of freedom.

Now, many people nationwide may contract Omicron. There is no other treatment. Everyone must fight Omicron and take care of their health.

While being cautious, if one tests positive, it seems necessary to take prescribed medication and make efforts to boost immunity.

Based on the experiences of those who were infected first, I think the entire nation should become their own primary care physicians.

The government authorities predict the peak will occur this week or next, but it is uncertain how long the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases will continue.

Each citizen must become a COVID-19 resistance fighter protecting themselves.

I look forward to the day when all citizens, having wisely overcome this crisis, will be free from infectious diseases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.