Friday, July 31, 2020, 3:53 PM
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LEIDEN –
Leiden general practitioner Ellen Lohmann, who personally experienced the coronavirus, warns against the long recovery period. “I would really do anything not to get it. It is no fun, ‘she says to media partner Sleutelstad. Lohmann contracted the coronavirus in March and has had a difficult recovery. In fact, her boyfriend who was more severely affected by the virus is still not as old.
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Lohmann received the virus from her friend Tim van der Werf, who probably contracted it during winter sports in Austria. Although they tried to live separately, Lohmann also became infected with corona, although this has never been officially established. Lohmann had a burning chest pain and a fever for a few days. Her boyfriend was more serious. He was in bed all day with chattering teeth, chills, sweats, and chest tightness.
“It was very intense, but not intense enough that we could be tested. My friend still had enough oxygen in his blood before that, ‘says Lohmann, who was quarantined for about twelve days. Her boyfriend stayed inside for three weeks. During the quarantine time, friends left their groceries and the neighbors picked up the trash that Lohmann and Van der Werf left behind.
Reassure patients
Lohmann and Van der Werf participated in late March their story at Omroep West and media partner Sleutelstad. That caused a lot of reactions from the GP. “When I returned to work, many patients first asked me how I was,” says Lohmann. Because little information about the coronavirus was known at the time, Lohmann was able to use her own experiences in helping patients. “I was especially able to reassure patients,” says Lohmann.
Despite the fact that both Lohmann and her friend have recovered from the virus, they are not quite the old ones. Especially Van der Werf still suffers from it. “His condition has deteriorated considerably,” says Lohmann. Moreover, rebuilding that condition is not easy. “He often feels stuffy and has trouble concentrating.”
Mouth masks
In view of the current discussion about whether or not to wear mouth masks, Lohmann thinks, with her experiences and expertise as a general practitioner, that they can offer extra protection. “Of course I don’t have the scientific evidence, but if I look at how bad it is with the one and a half meter distance, it might help,” said Lohmann. “At least I would do everything I could not get it. It is not recommended. “
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