George Kehagias,Vice President – HR & Corporate Administration, Canada was put into an induced coma for two weeks after falling ill with Covid-19. He came close to dying twice, but has thankfully recovered. George is sharing his experience to encourage everyone at Menzies to have a vaccine as soon as they can. This is his Covid-19 story.

Almost a year ago, I left the office feeling unwell. It was a Monday and I thought I had the flu. The following day I went to get tested for Covid-19 and on Wednesday I was notified that I had the virus. My first thought and concern was to inform my family and colleagues so that they could get tested.

My condition deteriorated and a week later I was admitted to hospital due to shortness of breath and subsequently put on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I battled for two weeks and nearly succumbed twice to this terrible virus. Luckily, I recovered enough to be taken off the ventilator and then had to undergo several days of physiotherapy to get my arms and legs fully functional again. I lost 30lbs in one month. I have shared a video of me coming out of the coma in the ICU not for dramatic effect, but to show how deadly this virus can be and what it can do to you if you do not remain vigilant.

I wouldn’t be here today without the life-saving medical intervention I received at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario. I received antibodies, steroids, antibiotics and a host of other medicines while in ICU. When I was released from the hospital on October 31, 2020, I went home and continued my physiotherapy and continue to have in-home medical visits. I’m happy to report that I am fully recovered and very grateful. I returned to work on my birthday, November 30, 2020. I was happy to see my colleagues all safe and healthy and to be back doing the work I enjoy the most.

In December 2020, when I was strong enough, I received the seasonal flu shot. And then most importantly, I was administered the Covid-19 vaccines available to all Canadians - Pfizer & Moderna. I cannot state the importance of being vaccinated against this disease. Vaccines are an amazing medical breakthrough. Humans have eradicated many deadly diseases via vaccines such as polio, rubella and the like. There was no hesitation in my mind to be vaccinated in the hope of remaining healthy and covid-free, protecting not only myself, but my family, friends and colleagues. I wanted to do my part to eradicate, or at the very least, help control the spread of this deadly virus.