A 101-year- diabetic patient in Shenzhen has recovered from COVID-19 and was discharged from the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen on Monday.
The centenarian, surnamed Du, was found to have developed some cold symptoms Jan. 4, with obvious signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. His daughter, who is nearly 70 years old, tested positive for COVID via an antigen test.
As Du’s oxygen saturation levels dipped to 93%, which suggested a possible lung disease, Du was taken to a private hospital for oxygen uptake, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. He was then admitted to the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen at midnight Thursday.
“My father has arteriosclerosis, so it was difficult to draw blood from him. But the nurses in the emergency department are very professional. They found his femoral artery and gave him the most important blood gas analysis,” Du’s daughter was quoted as saying.
The hospital had arranged the most skilled nursing team for Du, whose room was nearest to the nurses’ station in case of any emergency.
“As Du has lost his hearing because of old age, it was extremely difficult to communicate with him. He also needed nurses to help him go to the toilet at night. So, it was really challenging for the nurses,” Chen Shaoping, the head nurse, said.
Doctors from different departments gave Du targeted treatment according to his prominent symptoms of lethargy and loss of appetite, as well as a history of diabetes for over 20 years. Antiviral drugs in reduced doses were given due to his renal failure.
“He gradually regained energy and was able to eat,” Du’s daughter said, adding that she could also have a good rest after her father got better.
Du’s nucleic acid test result came out negative Friday. He will need regular follow-up visits after leaving the hospital, according to the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen.