Pinay COVID-19 survivor in Germany: ‘Always have a positive outlook’

24-year-old Filipina student in Berlin, Germany, who recovered from COVID-19 said the viral disease is not a death sentence.

Kelly Abagat, who has been in Germany for more than a year to study, urged those who tested positive for the disease to never lose hope and always look for a positive outlook in life.

“Be strong. Lakasan pa ‘yong loob kasi alam natin na wala pang definite na gamot so kailangan is to surround yourself with positivity and always pray,” she said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

“Inisip ko na lang po, ‘yong pag-i-isip ng negative, ‘di makakatulong at all so kailangan mo na lang magtingin ng positive outlook,” she added.

For Abagat, who was not with her family when she contracted the disease, COVID-19 was also an emotional battle for her.

She said she was eager to recover so that she can be an inspiration to other people and to also end the discrimination.

“It has been a test of faith for me, kasi you may tend to question, 'Of all people, bakit ako? Naging hygienic, cautious naman ako.' I took it as a challenge for myself na ‘di lang ‘to own fight na kailangan lagpasan kasi naging fight din ‘to ng family and friends ko,” she said.

“Kaya ko po talaga nilakasan loob ko, ayaw ko malungkot kaming lahat kaya ‘yong end goal ko is to recover and inspire others. Gusto ko ma-inspire ‘yong mga tao na tanggalin ‘yong stigma sa COVID-19,” she added.

Abagat said she first experienced sore throat, headaches then eventually had a fever.

At first, she thought it was normal because she has a sweet tooth and often munched on sweets, however, when she started to experience coughing, she got bothered and decided to get tested as soon as possible.

Abagat said she also had a travel history to Brussels for a study trip.

After waiting for three days, her results turned out to be positive and she was advised to undergo home quarantine because she only had mild symptoms.

“Bilang initial reaction, mangiyak-ngiyak kasi ‘di ko alam gagawin kasi mag-isa lang ako,” she said.

Abagat said her family, friends and the health workers were keys to her recovery.

“Very grateful ako sa pamilya ko, mga kaibigan and ‘yong mga frontliners,” she said.

Despite her recovery, Abagat said she still continues to take vitamins to further boost her immune system.

As of Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said 651 overseas Filipinos tested positive for COVID-19, including 84 fatalities.

Meanwhile, 188 of the Filipino patients have already recovered or been discharged. 379 are still undergoing treatment. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News