Howie Severino opens up about COVID-19 ordeal: 'It can happen to anybody'

Even after recovering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Howie Severino is still at a loss as to how he caught it.

In an interview with Dobol B sa News TV, the GMA News and Public Affairs pillar said he had been following safety protocols early on, practicing social distancing and washing his hands frequently.

"Maaga palang nagiingat na ko, sumusunod na ko sa safety protocols. Wala naman akong nilapitan na confirmed cases," he said.

When he caught a fever that wouldn't abate for a week, he had a check-up, hoping that it would be a normal flu.

However, it turned out that he was positive for COVID-19.

READ: Howie Severino: I am Patient 2828

The ordeal was far from easy. Howie revealed that at some point, he was sure he was close to death.

He shared that for two nights, he couldn't sleep.

"Ibang klase 'yung epekto sayo ng sleep deprivation. Halos mag-ha-hallucinate ka na, kasi gustong gusto mong matulog pero hindi ka pinapatulog," he said.

"Nagkaroon ako ng vision ng kamatayan, akala ko mamamatay na ako," he added.

The doctors were at a loss. He had no appetite, he felt weak, and they couldn't find anything that could help him sleep.

He decided to call his wife, who helped him meditate.

"Binubulungan ako ng asawa ko sa phone, isipin mo naglalakad tayo sa beach, nakaamoy ng lavender, 'yung una tayong nagtagpo, mga ganong klaseng memories," he shared.

After being walked through medidation exercises, he was able to sleep, and thoughts of dying were put to rest.

Howie said not to underestimate the power of the mind.

"Hindi kaya ng katawan ko, pero kinaya ng aking isip," he said. "Power of the mind. Malaking bagay 'yun."

The broadcast journalist has a piece of advice for everyone: always be vigilant and ready.

"It can happen to anybody. Malakas naman ang katawan ko. Nagiingat naman ako. Hindi ko alam kung paano ako nahawa. Kung anong nangyari sakin, pwede mangyari sa inyo," he said.

As of Monday, the Philippines has recorded 4,932 cases, 315 deaths, and 242 recoveries.

—JCB, GMA News