Feature: "I paid the price for not paying enough attention to the epidemic before" – the experience of an Italian COVID-19 recoverer

Rome, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Feature: "I paid the price for not paying enough attention to the epidemic before" – the experience of an Italian COVID-19 recoverer

Xinhua News Agency reporter He Fei

Looking back on the 16 days ago in the intensive care unit of Rome's Spalanzani Hospital, Roberto, a 61-year-old Italian, still feels afraid. He said: "There was a moment when I really felt like I couldn't live. ”

Roberto said: "I paid the price for not paying enough attention to the epidemic before. According to his recollection, although he was hospitalized after contracting the new crown virus and eventually recovered, "the doctor said that I was so lucky to be fully recovered." Roberto used his own experience to warn that the virus must not be less vigilant.

Italy started covid-19 vaccination at the end of December 2020, and roberto received his first dose of the vaccine just three months later. However, with the rate of COVID-19 infections in Italy dropping significantly in the summer of 2021, he ignored the recommendation for a second dose of the vaccine.

"I was really stupid," he said, "and I kept hearing about confirmed cases on the TV news, but I didn't think it would happen to me." I don't go out very often, and I usually wear a mask when I go out. Usually, I only spend time with my daughter and grandchildren, sometimes having a cup of coffee at a nearby restaurant bar. I thought I was safe, but I was wrong. ”

In early November 2021, Roberto began to develop some symptoms, he did the relevant tests on the advice of his doctor, and then he was diagnosed with the new crown virus. As his condition worsened, he was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit for 16 days before he began to get better.

The Italian government announced a mandatory mask order before Christmas 2021, requiring people to wear masks with a higher level of protection when taking public transportation such as planes, trains, ferries, and subways. In addition, a COVID-19 "Green Pass" is required to enter indoor venues such as restaurants, theaters and stadiums. The government also continues to push hard for vaccination.

Recently, the epidemic situation in Italy has tightened, and the number of new confirmed cases of new crown in a single day has exceeded 220,000. As of 19 January, Italy has confirmed more than 9.2 million cases and more than 140,000 deaths.

Fortunately, Roberto's recovery is doing well. He said: "I currently have antibodies to the new crown virus in my body, but as long as the doctor tells me that I can get vaccinated, I will definitely be the first to go to the vaccine." ”