New Delhi: Her name is Pushpa Sharma. Lives is Shahdara area in Delhi. And she has grit that few can match. The 96-year-old Pushpa is now a beacon of hope for a nation that is reeling under the grip of the coronavirus.
Her recovery from Covid-19 is now the talk of the town. The Sharma family, meanwhile, said congratulatory messages to them on WhatsApp have not stopped since the word went out that “Chaai ji” has recovered. According to a Delhi government list on Thursday, Shahdara has 350 active containment zones because of COVID cases.
Two factors- ‘will power’ and ‘positive atmosphere’ say family members are the reasons for her recovery. She tested positive on April 18 and on May 9 following tests, doctors announced that she recovered. She lives with her son Arun Kumar (67).
She was under treatment at home. The love and affection and a deep will to live saw her through say family members. Called Chaaiji by everyone in the family and also neighbourhood say it was her insatiable will that helped her recover. She looks good now. Her grandson Kumal said that the decision to keep her home was taken due to the condition in hospitals and the scarcity of resources.
At the same time her son and daughter-in-law Meena too tested positive. Kunal and his wife too were indisposed. Pushpa Sharma was unaware and would wrench in pain and moan but the family stood by her and created a positive atmosphere.
Her CRP (C-reactive protein) test report showed the level of infection at a high of 82 on April 27 and a normal of four on May 9 after which she was declared COVID-free by doctors, who also reviewed her other reports pertaining to treatment of the infection, Mr Kunal said.
CRP is a type of protein produced by the liver that serves as an early marker of infection and inflammation. In blood, the normal concentration of CRP is less than 10mg/L but it rises rapidly with the onset of the infection and its severity.
Shahdara resident Gaurav Mahesh Gupta said 96-year-old Ms Sharma’s recovery “is a blessing of God” and “motivated” many in the neighbourhood who are struggling with the pandemic.
