Key Takeaways:
- Gregg Garfield was diagnosed with a coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the early stages of the pandemic; he was considered “patient #0” at the southern California hospital where he was treated.
- Garfield overcame the odds to alleviate his COVID-19 symptoms but encountered many challenges throughout his coronavirus treatment.
- Today, Garfield is encouraging people to social distance and take other safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) can be fatal, and everyone must do their part to help slow the spread of the virus due to the risks that it poses. In this episode of the Smile podcast, world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh interviews Gregg Garfield, one of the first COVID-19 patients in the United States, and his girlfriend, AJ Johnson. In the interview, Garfield and Johnson describe Garfield’s experience with COVID-19, including his 31 days on life support and 64 days in a southern California hospital.
What Is It Like to Contract COVID-19?
Contracting COVID-19 may require people to fight for their life to survive — literally. COVID-19 causes symptoms that range from mild to severe, and they include coughing, chills, and loss of taste or smell. In some instances, COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic, too.
For Garfield, intubation was required due to the severity of his COVID-19 symptoms. Garfield was heavily sedated for the initial weeks of his hospitalization for COVID-19 as well.
Garfield was closely monitored throughout his hospitalization. He was given a 1 percent chance of survival but persevered during his hospitalization. Over the course of several weeks, Garfield gradually improved. He eventually regained the energy he had prior to his hospitalization. Now, Garfield has shown that people can overcome the symptoms of COVID-19 and is sharing his inspirational story with others.
What Can People Learn from Garfield’s Experience with COVID-19?
Positivity can go a long way toward treating COVID-19. Although it can be easy to lose hope when dealing with COVID-19, maintaining a positive outlook can help people persevere as they try to combat the coronavirus and its symptoms.
Additionally, doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are difference-makers in the battle against COVID-19. These medical professionals are doing everything they can to help patients minimize the effects of COVID-19, and they continue to make valuable contributions at healthcare facilities around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming for people who contract the virus and their loved ones. But, it is paramount to take a day-by-day approach to help manage stress and anxiety during this unprecedented time. People who express appreciation and gratitude toward themselves and others may be well-equipped to avoid feeling like the pandemic is too much to handle.
Finally, people can continuously do their part to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. By social distancing, people can reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus or spreading it to others. Furthermore, people can maintain clean surfaces in their homes and offices and wash their hands with soap and water frequently. They can also wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth and wear it any time they visit public venues.
Learn More About Garfield’s Experience with COVID-19
Garfield’s experience with COVID-19 is unique, and it can help people understand the dangers associated with a coronavirus infection. In episode 12 of the Smile podcast, people can hear what Garfield has to say about his COVID-19 experience, as well as receive insights into what can be done to combat the spread of the coronavirus. To learn more, please download the podcast today.