After dodging the bullet for 2 years, I finally tested positive for COVID on 19 Jan 2022.

I had to travel to India in Dec 2021, booking tickets at exorbitant rates as my husband’s UK visa got delayed and he was unable to travel as planned. With the Omicron cases beginning to rise here back then, it was a blessing in disguise for us. After the chaos of delayed test results and last minute submissions, I finally travelled back home in December with the fear of institutional quarantine on mind in case I tested positive for COVID on arrival.

Luckily, things went smoothly and we landed at Goa for our 7 day home quarantine. It was a pleasant change from the cold winds in London to the sunny vibes of Goa. We travelled to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi till it was time to fly back to London again. Luckily by that time rules were relaxed and there was no requirement to take a test before travel but I did take one. It was negative. I also tested negative on lateral flow test after arrival but had symptoms and PCR results came positive… 🙁

Yes, I finally contracted COVID. After escaping from it during my job in the Army Dental Centre (Research & Referral) Delhi during wave 1 in 2020 and during the Delta wave in 2021 I escaped Omicron in London and during my travel to India in Dec 2021. But I contracted it on my journey back to London.

I received a lot of support from my friends at LSE as well as from the team at my accommodation at Goodenough College where they provided all the meals and offered support in every form. That was very reassuring when you are away from home, anxious and get physically weak to even pick up the phone to order essentials.

I had mild symptoms but even that feels overwhelming and definitely did not feel like common flu to me…its much more debilitating till it lasts. I wish and hope for no one to contract this…ever!

This blog was written in late January 2022. See here for the latest UK government guidance on coronavirus. Find out more on LSE’s response to coronavirus here.