Doctor who survived COVID-19 urges patients to be honest with travel, medical history

A Filipina doctor who recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) urged the public to be more honest about their travel and medical history.

According to a 24 Oras report by Cedric Castillo on Monday, Dr. Christine Joy Castillo, who is currently getting back in tiptop shape through rehabilitation exercise, is planning to go back to the frontline as soon as possible.

She added, this time, she will be more cautious.

Castillo was confined at the intensive care unit (ICU) for two weeks after she was exposed to a patient who lied about his symptoms and travel history.

“‘Yong patient kasi was hirap huminga that time so we have to support him by inserting a tube sa bibig. Siyempre kasi irritation siya sa lalamunan so uubo siya ng uubo. He denied his history so hindi namin alam na PUI siya or may exposure siya,” she said.

Castillo said she was annoyed at the patient because it was not only her who was infected, but three other hospital staff as well.

They are currently recovering from the illness, she added.

“Nainis ako, siyempre, like any other doctor would feel kasi history is a very vital part to treat a patient,” Castillo said.

With this, she called on other patients to be honest because lives are at stake.

“Don’t be selfish. Isipin din nila ‘yung ibang tao,” Castillo said.

The doctor is currently waiting for her second negative result before getting the green light to serve at the frontlines again. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News