Texas man who had COVID twice now suffers from PTSD for fear of catching up again

A man in Texas who has contracted COVID-19 twice is now struggling with PTSD with fears he could catch the virus for the third time.

Shaun Santiago of Houston, Texas first contracted COVID in the summer of 2020.

“I was in intensive care for two weeks,” Santiago told KHOU. “The doctors and nurses are all in PPE so you don’t see what they really look like. There is no human contact.”

Santiago, who works as a program director at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, was released from the ICU after testing negative for COVID twice. A few weeks later, Santiago returned to the emergency room because he was not feeling well.

After a doctor told Santiago he had COVID for the second time, he was admitted to the hospital.

“I said, ‘I can show you both of my negative results,’” Santiago said. “She wasn’t sarcastic, but she said, ‘You’re one of the lucky ones who caught it twice.'”

Once news broke about the drug companies working on a third recall, Santiago felt a sense of relief even though he says he is struggling with PTSD after battling COVID numerous times.

“I don’t want to catch it a third time. I don’t know if I can catch it a third time. I don’t even know if scientists know if you can catch it a third time,” he said. he declares.

Dr Louise McCullough, who works as a neurologist at the University of Texas Health, cares for long-distance COVID patients. McCullough said 35% of people with mild cases of COVID suffered from PTSD three months after their recovery, while 77% of people with severe cases of COVID suffered from PTSD.

“Having anxiety, depression, PTSD, trouble sleeping, all of those things that we have treatment for,” McCullough said. “Just talk to your doctor and don’t be embarrassed about them because they are so common. You are not alone. You are not sick. You are not damaged. You just need to. remediate. “

McCullough ended his statements by saying that “the best thing you can do is protect yourself. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Wash your hands.”

In August 2021, three hospitals in Houston had to close due to an increase in COVID cases.

On August 24, Memorial Hermann made a statement to News week regarding closures.

“As COVID-19 continues to increase rapidly in the Greater Houston area, and with hospitalizations exceeding previous surge volumes, our workforce is being pushed to the limit,” the statement said. “We are actively pursuing all solutions to help ease the burden on our hardworking frontline staff and ensure we continue to provide safe, high-quality care to all who need it. “

Newsweek has contacted McCullough for further comment.