GUANGZHOU, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- As the Year of the Rabbit draws near, several centenarians recovering from COVID-19 stay comfortably at home for family reunions in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.
Liu Guide, a 101-year-old patient, caught COVID-19 in late December and recovered after 18 days of medical treatment.
With a body temperature of 39.9 degrees Celsius, Liu went to the Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University on Dec. 22, 2022. He was in toxic shock and had low blood pressure.
Liu was diagnosed with a lung infection and pleural effusion. In addition, he suffered from chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, which made the situation even more dangerous, said Tan Xiaojiang, the patient's attending physician.
The Nanfang hospital organized multidisciplinary consultations and implemented anti-virus, anti-infection, and anti-inflammation treatments to help the patient.
The medical team paid extra attention to take better care of Liu. Tan stayed with Liu on New Year's Eve to monitor the patient's vital signs. The nursing team helped Liu to turn over and eliminate phlegm.
Under close observation, treatment and meticulous nursing, Liu gradually recovered from COVID-19. On the first day of 2023, his temperature returned to normal, his blood pressure and blood-oxygen saturation improved, and his vital signs were stable.
As Liu's health improved, he was discharged on Jan. 9. Liu Xiaowu, son of the centenarian, said that it is a blessing for the whole family that his father could turn the corner and come home for the Spring Festival.
"It is inseparable from the superb medical skills and considerate care of medical staff. I deeply feel their spirit of saving lives and healing the wounded," said Liu Xiaowu.
Similarly, a 90-year-old patient recovered from COVID-19. He was discharged from the hospital in early January.
Surnamed Liao, the patient went to the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University on Dec. 30, 2022, because of a persistent cough.
"I was so worried at first, hoping my dad would make it," said Liao Shaofei, daughter of the aged patient.
Liao Shaofei felt relieved upon entering the ward. The treatment environment was quiet, and the work of doctors and nurses was orderly and trustworthy, she said.
With effective treatment and punctilious nursing, Liao recovered from COVID-19 and returned home on Jan. 12. His family could prepare for the Chinese New Year in a happy mood.
Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital has also received many COVID-19 patients in their 80s. The majority of senior patients were discharged from the hospital after timely treatment and symptomatic intervention.
"Most of the aged patients' symptoms can be effectively controlled after treatment, so we must have confidence," said Sun Ruilin, director of the respiratory and critical care department at Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital. ■
