Kalamma from Yannur Village in Chikkaballapur District had an active life. She would raise goats and buffaloes, besides doing all the household chores. The 107-year-old who was hospitalised with Covid-19 recently bounced back to life in three weeks to become one of the oldest Covid survivors in Karnataka.
Kalamma was diagnosed with Covid-19 on May 4. ‘’She had mild fever. She felt better after taking Paracetamol. But then she complained of feeling disoriented and was admitted to Apollo Hospital at Sheshadripuram in Bengaluru,’’ says Dr V. Shankar, her son employed with the same hospital. Kalamma tested positive for Covid-19. “She was put in ICU. Her Oxygen Saturation level was 72. She was given five-six litres of oxygen in the next two days,’’ says Shankar who monitored her throughout her treatment.
Kalamma showed significant improvement, following simple medications like antibiotics and antiviral tablets. However, she could not recognise her family members. ‘’She was in the ICU for ten days. She didn’t need a ventilator though,’’ says Shankar.
Blessed with a strong immune system, Kalamma recovered in 21 days. She was in a hurry to go home, recalls Shankar. She has the habit of chewing pan and tobacco and while in the hospital she would often demand them, he says.
Kalamma is on her feet now. She does not have any co-morbid condition. However, she has been advised to take mild dose of sedatives at bed time after being diagnosed with dementia.
Shankar attributes her longevity to a healthy diet of ragi and home-grown vegetables including palak and beans. She is a cleanliness freak, he adds.
She turned 107 in February this year. Shankar and his siblings wanted to celebrate the big day but the pandemic made them put their plans on hold.
Kalamma has a whopping total of 41 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is the happiest when she is surrounded by them.
