Raleigh, NC Stanley McHenry, who describes himself as a ‘tough guy’, was a deputy in Durham County for 31 years before a dangerous brush with COVID-19.
“It (the job) prepares you for just about anything that could happen, although I do not know if I was fully prepared for it,” McHenry said.
The 66-year-old said he regularly walks three to four miles with his wife. They wear masks in public, keep as much social distance as possible and practice regular hand hygiene. He is not sure where he was exposed to the virus.
It was the week before Christmas when early symptoms of a runny nose and slight fatigue appeared, and McHenry was tested on COVID-19.
A day or two later, he learned that he had tested positive.
Brain fog and confusion have arrived. Shortly afterwards, he collapses into the house.
“The 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th of December I absolutely do not remember,” McHenry said.
At Duke Raleigh Hospital, McHenry develops COPD and needs breathing.
His doctor, dr. Amal Youseff, said that many people wait for the symptoms to worsen before seeking help. “The problem is that we do not know who will get it soft and who will make it worse,” she said.
After four days in the hospital, McHenry remembers waking up. He panics, pulls out his IV line and monitors devices.
“I literally had no idea why I was there,” he said.
After McHenry understood his condition, he struggled to adjust. He described it as “almost like a feeling of depression because no one can visit you there.”
After showing progress, McHenry was discharged from the hospital on January 5, just six days later after another lung infection. He spent a total of 11 days in Duke Raleigh Hospital.
While there, he participated in a trial for Remdesivir.
According to Youseff, as in the case of blind trials, McHenry may or may not have received the drug, which may help fight infections and provide temporary immunity.
The requirements of the trial meant that McHenry had to wait 90 days before receiving longer protection with a vaccine.
“So I will put a medical profession in my arm somewhere on March 31. That is my plan,” he said.
“No one should think they have to fight alone (COVID-19),” Youseff said. “It’s a serious illness. Everyone should seek help if they experience symptoms or at least are diagnosed.”
According to Youseff, people who do not lower oxygen levels are led by medical professionals and placed in quarantine at home.
If more severe symptoms occur, such as diarrhea, appetite, fatigue and especially if fever is detected, she advises people not to wait until the condition gets worse. Seek medical attention immediately.