'Severe, painful': Turkish medics recall COVID horrors

By Fikret Kavgali

ADANA,Turkey (AA) - Recalling the nightmares, two Turkish healthcare professionals who beat COVID-19 have urged people to follow coronavirus safety measures as prevention is better than cure.

Nurse Merve Koksal and Dr. Eray Polat, who work at the Cukurova State Hospital in southern Adana province, narrated their battle against coronavirus to Anadolu Agency.

Koksal said that she caught the virus while working in the hospital and developed symptoms such as sore throat, sweating and weakness in the initial days.

She recovered at home after 14 days of treatment, but said the psychological impact of the disease is enormous. "It is one of the most severe and painful processes compared to all the illnesses we know of.”

"I recommend that people follow the measures, pay attention to hygiene, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing. I especially want them not to hesitate about vaccination,” the health worker added.

Polat said he feared for his family the most since the start of the pandemic.

"My back was hurting throughout the duration of my illness and this created a feeling of palpitations. It was severe than many diseases," he said.

He also stressed on adhering to the health guidelines and taking coronavirus seriously.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul