BOSTON — Nearly 4,000 people are being treated for COVID-19 in Massachusetts hospitals, which equates to about 10 percent of the state’s confirmed cases.
Behind the staggering statistics are thousands of real families in the thick of it.
Many of those families affected by the crisis are learning firsthand how hard doctors, nurses and medical personnel are fighting every day to keep patients alive.
“My father is one of those people struggling for his life right now,” said Nidal Chowdhury of Peabody. “Doctors are tailoring every little thing to give him as much life as possible.”
Nidal Chowdhury’s father Nafis, a North Shore eye surgeon, is among more than 150 COVID-19 patients currently in Mass General Hospital’s ICU.
Nafis Chowdhury began exhibiting symptoms on his 64th birthday earlier this month. The illness came after his wife and son had already developed symptoms of the virus.
“We didn’t think much of it at first because my dad is healthy. He’s an active man. He doesn’t have any prior health conditions,” explained Nidal.
Nafis went to Salem Hospital last Monday to get checked out. He tested positive for COVID-19.
X-rays also revealed he had pneumonia. Hours later, he was in a medically induced coma on a ventilator.
“Within two or three hours, out of nowhere… there was no question he had to go on a ventilator,” recalled Nidal. “It was like someone who was healthy walked into a hospital.. and collapsed.”
His father was later transported by ambulance to Mass General Hospital for around the clock care. He has been sedated in the ICU there for six days, and doctors continue to try to maintain his respiratory rate.
“Every time when I call, I’m told a nurse is inside with my father. They’re risking their lives trying to safe someone else’s life,” added Nidal. “I’m sure they are tired. I’m sure they are exhausted. They are very brave, and they never allow us to see that side.”
Nidal Chowdhury told Boston 25 News that workers inside MGH have been keeping his family filled in on every little detail, including what his father’s hospital room looks like.
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
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