Katlehong resident and medical laboratory technician Mpho Mlaba (32) has spoken openly about her Covid-19 journey.

In doing so, she aims to raise awareness, educate society and remove the stigma around the virus.

Mpho was recently infected with the virus and survived it.

“It can happen to anyone, and some people have misconceptions about the virus. They think it’s a harmless flu, yet people are dying. Some people survive it, some don’t.”

The health worker from the National Health Laboratory Service said her infection came as a shock to her. “I was extremely careful, I don’t know how I got it.”

Mpho said she followed all safety regulations and hardly went out unnecessarily. The mother explained she did not know if she was going to overcome the virus.

“Nobody knows how their body is going to react. At around day 13 of my quarantine when I thought I was doing well, I had a headache and chest pains. Fortunately, I got better. I am fine now.”

Mpho said from the beginning of lockdown she was worried she would get the virus due to her profession. The medical technician spoke about how she managed to get back on her feet.

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“I was ready to tackle the virus because I had stocked up on vitamin C, garlic and ginger, flu medication and other supplements. I also drank ‘mohlonyane’ in the morning and evening.

“Mohlonyane in Setswana is rue. It is a mountain herb. I urge people who are coughing to get tested for the virus.” Mpho said people in informal settlements don’t fully understand the importance of lockdown restrictions and regulations. She said many people walk around without masks.

Stigma

Mpho explained the stigma behind Covid-19.

“It was challenging because I had to make people understand I am fine, otherwise they treat you differently.” Mpho said the experience taught her how much the community still needs to learn about Covid-19.

Her message to medical professionals was to continue working with passion, just like they did before the pandemic.

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“All we can do is try our best and continue to put patients first. I believe if a patient sees strength and positivity from us they will be motivated to keep on fighting. “If the community handles this pandemic carelessly, it will spread,” she said.

Mpho also shared a message with the community on what to do when they test positive. “Isolate while you wait for your test results.

“Stay positive, tell yourself that you’re going to get through it. Talk about it because the minute you hide your status it eats you up. Inform people you have been in contact with that you have tested positive for Covid-19,” said Mpho.

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