On February 17 at Chongqing Blood Center, Shu Mei, a recovered novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) patient, was donating her plasma and cheering for Chongqing. (Photo by Zhang Jinhui)

On February 17 at Chongqing Blood Center, Wang Qi, a recovered novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) patient, was donating his plasma, giving a thumbs up and wearing a determined expression. (Photo by Zhang Jinhui) 

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On the morning of February 17 at Chongqing Blood Center, Wang Qi (assumed name), holding a pressure bulb in his hand, gradually relaxed after saw his blood flowing into the automatic blood cell separator along the blood transfusion tube and the separated yellow plasma being collected.

It was the first plasma donation of Wang Qi. “I’m afraid of pain and have never made blood donation before. The medical workers helped me a lot during my hospital stay. Now it’s my turn to help more people and I want to make a contribution,” said Wang shyly.

Wang Qi, native of Banan District, is a 26-year-old student studying for his master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Hubei University.

On January 19, he returned to Chongqing for the winter vacation. He rarely went out, but he was instantly alert when he felt his chest uncomfortable. “Am I infected with the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP)?”

Although he had no fever nor cough, he still actively went to Banan People’s Hospital on January 25 to receive the nucleic acid detection, and was confirmed on the second day and then sent to Chongqing Public Health Medical Center for treatment.

In the quarantine ward, medical workers were busy and hard: diagnosis, treatment, drawing blood, collecting throat swab, measuring temperature, sending food… Wang Qi couldn’t see their faces clearly, but could see the goggles covered with water mist. He could imagine how tired they were in the protective clothing.

“What would you like for lunch?” “I’d like meat.” 

Such conversation took place every morning. The medical workers always tried to satisfy Wang Qi’s demands, such as for wonton and noodles.

On February 10, Wang Qi recovered and was discharged from the hospital. Before discharge, the doctor asked him: “Are you willing to donate plasma for the treatment of critical patients?” Wang Qi relied immediately: “No problem. I also want to make a little contribution.”

On the morning of February 17, Wang Qi felt a little bit tired and still very happy after donating 400 ml plasma.

On February 17, there was still another plasma donator, Shu Mei (assumed name) from Yunji Town, Changshou District. At 7:30 a.m., she leaved Changshou to Chongqing Blood Center located at Lianglukou. She set off in a hurry and only ate two mandarin oranges for breakfast. 

Shu Mei was confirmed as a NCP patient on January 28 and her family of six were all confirmed as NCP patients, including her brother and sister.

“It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t nervous.” After the diagnosis, Shu Mei was also worried at first that she might not be healed, but such worry disappeared soon after she was sent to Chongqing Public Health Medical Center for treatment.

In order to recover as soon as possible, Shu Mei danced did exercises regularly even in the hospital.

After discharged from the hospital, Shu Mei happened to see the report that “the specific antibody of recovered patients has the anti-virus effect”, so she immediately called Doctor Chi of Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, who was her doctor-in-charge, and said “I want to donate plasma.”

After donating 400 ml plasma, Shu Mei immediately sent a message “The donation is done!” in her fellow-villager group. Her fellow-villagers’ replies appeared on the screen soon: “We are proud of you!” “You are our pride!” (Translated by Huang Juan, Fathom Language Limited)