Sometimes, when I reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic became so intense in Ghana, I sometimes laugh and say to myself that “the COVID-19 lockdown and quarantine was an interesting experience.” Those moments during the COVID-19 lockdown taught me many things, including health conditions like anosmia. Coming from a biological science background, I love research, and the COVID-19 period encouraged me to conduct more research, which I enjoyed.
How did this “COVID-19 saga” start? I was on the University of Ghana campus, busy with my work as a national service person. I was lodging on campus as well. Unfortunately, the vice-chancellor with the school authority decided to send all students home due to the infectious and contagious nature of the coronavirus. Before we were sent home, when the coronavirus had hit some of the European countries hard, I began reading about the virus, its history, and its mode of infection. I learned a lot during my reading. Students started to pack up and leave as the school authority directed.
Finally, I packed up and went home, beginning another chapter of my COVID-19 experience. I arrived home. My house is located in the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, one of the hotspots of COVID-19 in Ghana. My parents were happy I was home. However, fear gripped many of my relatives due to the news about COVID-19 and the unimaginable deaths reported in the European, Asian, and American countries.
Despite the “frightening mood” in the house, I wasn’t scared. I recalled what I was taught in Level 300 about microorganisms and immunity. I knew that even though some viral infections are deadly, most of them do not require drugs or medicine to ease the intensity of the infection. Our immune systems can often fight viruses, and within a week or two, we recover. I encouraged my family to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to boost their immune system. I was happy at home since I have many cousins, siblings, nieces, and nephews around. When we were tired of studying and watching movies, we switched to video games.
Suddenly, the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, “imposed” a lockdown on Accra. For the first time in my life, I didn’t see the street for a week. Before the lockdown, my siblings and I had stocked up on food so we wouldn’t starve. While shopping for some food commodities, I realized how wicked, cruel, and inconsiderate some sellers were. They fluctuated and inflated their prices. This upset my cousin, who argued with the market women about their cheating. I was saddened and surprised by the dishonesty of some sellers. We had no choice but to comply with the inflated prices since we were hungry and feared going hungry during the lockdown.
Once our kitchen was stocked, we resumed our lives in the COVID-19 lockdown and self-quarantine. Home began to feel boring, so we found ways to entertain ourselves. My siblings and I started an evening exercise routine, challenging each other with push-ups. It was fun. Aside from video games, studying, watching movies, eating, and engaging in spiritual exercises, push-ups became part of our daily routine. This continued until I developed stretch marks on my shoulders and had to stop.
A few weeks later, the president of Ghana eased the COVID-19 restrictions, allowing partial lockdown instead of a total lockdown in Accra. We could move out for some time. My siblings and I began night jogging each evening. The jogging was helpful, although I initially felt sharp pains around my waist, thighs, and legs. Over time, the pain became more tolerable.
Suddenly, one of my cousins began to complain of headaches that lasted about a week. As a biological science graduate, I suspected he might have contracted COVID-19, but I didn’t want to jump to conclusions without proper testing. Later, he developed a cold, another COVID-19 symptom. He went to the pharmacy and took vitamin C tablets. Within a week, he felt better.
I also started experiencing headaches, usually on Sundays, for three consecutive weeks. It didn’t initially occur to me that this might be related to COVID-19. I took painkillers for relief. During those weeks, “Date Rush” became a popular Sunday night show that I enjoyed. Sometimes, I had to fake smiles and laughter while watching it due to the headaches.
Then something strange happened—ANOSMIA! For the first time, I lost my sense of taste and smell. I couldn’t even smell deodorants or sprays. It was alarming. I researched my condition online and discovered it could be related to COVID-19. I isolated myself for a few days and continued using a mask and hand sanitizer. I visited a nearby pharmacy, and the pharmacist prescribed medication. After a few days of taking the drugs, my sense of taste and smell gradually returned.
I never imagined life without the sense of taste and smell. Losing them made me realize how unpleasant life would be without these senses. Many people take them for granted.
In conclusion, COVID-19 taught me many lessons. 2020 was a significant year. COVID-19 helped me appreciate my family more and strengthened our unity. It also enhanced my “basic research” skills and deepened my appreciation of God. I’ve learned that every part of the human body is crucial.
If we are not grateful to God, we will be great fools.
Thank you
