36-year-old nurse is fighting for her life in intensive care from coronavirus

A 36-year-old nurse is currently fighting for her life in intensive care after contracting coronavirus.

The ‘fit and healthy’ NHS worker has no underlying health conditions, but is currently on a ventilator after being struck by the virus, according to her family. 

Areema Nasreen’s sister warned people that they need to take this seriously, saying it’s ‘not just the elderly at risk’, Birmingham Live reports.

Areema developed several of the symptoms, including a high temperature, body aches and a cough, and was diagnosed as having COVID-19 – she’s now on a ventilator at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Her sister, Kazeema, told Birmingham Live: “My sister who is an amazing nurse on the front line and who always helps so many has now caught this virus. She is critically ill in ICU, on a ventilator and fighting for her life.

“I want everyone to know how dangerous this is. My sister is only 36 and is normally fit and healthy.”

Areema became ill about ten days ago, initially suffering body aches, followed by a high temperature which wouldn’t budge and a cough.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

Kazeema explained what happened: “Her temperature would not go down and her cough was so bad it affected her lungs. Eventually she got taken to hospital and they tested her two days ago. It came back positive and now she is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Manor Hospital.

“We’re obviously not allowed to visit her but the hospital staff are keeping in touch and updating us as often as possible. Areema loves the NHS. Her colleagues are like a second family and they have been truly amazing with her – and us. They are keeping us all strong and doing everything they can for her.”

Kazeema praised hospital staff for their incredible work, adding that they’ve been ‘nothing but supportive and amazing’.

She added: “People are not taking this seriously enough. She is young – it is not just the elderly who are at risk.