Saab Magalona Gets COVID-19 For The First Time, Laments 'Being Away From My Boys'

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, Saab Magalona fell ill with this new infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The musician and podcaster then went into isolation to protect her husband Jim Bacarro and their two sons Pancho and Vito from getting the virus, too.

Saab took to Instagram on April 7, 2023 to share how she's coping so far: "I was able to dodge COVID for over 3 years and it finally got me. Thankfully, everyone else at home is healthy!!"

She went on reporting, "I’m on Day 3 since I tested positive and the headaches have been wild especially in the mornings. Thankful for the video calls with my boys although it’s hard not to cry.

"Pancho called me at 3pm today when he woke up from his nap and signed for me to pray with him. #GoodFriday! Vito keeps asking me when I’ll be home from Linya-Linya." Vito is referring to the apparel brand that their parents Jim and Saab co-own with a group of friends.

Saab continued describing her health situation: "Despite the vomiting and splitting headaches, the most difficult part of this is being away from my boys and hearing them cry when I have to say goodbye on our video calls."

And also their household situation: "So thankful for our girls here at home, Cheng and Analiza for taking such great care of the boys especially while Jim also had to isolate just to be safe. Lanie for preparing my soups, cold compress, and all."

She also paid homage to her husband: "Thankful that Jim is such a sweetheart and my biggest cheerleader. Can’t wait to hug you."

Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Saab Magalona-Bacarro (@saabmagalona)

About two days later, Saab gave an update on her situation: "Day 5 in covid isolation and today I didn’t have any nausea or splitting headaches. I was finally able to get out of bed and clean my filthy room. I also took the opportunity to move stuff around that I had been putting off for MONTHS!!"

She explained, "I read somewhere that taking a timelapse video of yourself while doing a task is super helpful for ADHD and I can confirm! The dopamine hit as I watched it back." (Back in September 2021, Saab opened up on being diagnosed with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.)

Saab added more kuwento in connection with her Instagram post: "Look closely and you’ll see that Jim lent me his new keyboard so I can continue practicing piano."

Also: "Rewatched Veep on HBO Go; Binge-watched The Kardashians on Disney+ (rememba only judge can god me chz); Reached Day 309 streak on Duolingo; Put a wedding photo in the empty IKEA picture frame that’s been on my shelf FOR A YEAR; Left conditioner in my hair for 2 minutes; Unsubscribed to 651,373,263 e-mails."

Saab ended her post with optimism: "Still have a stuffy nose but definitely better than yesterday! Thanks for the well wishes."

Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Saab Magalona-Bacarro (@saabmagalona)

COVID-19 reminder from DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) reported on April 10 that 378 patients had been admitted for severe and critical cases of COVID-19. It also issued a reminder to those who haven't been immunized to get the COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or booster shots. Everyone is also encouraged to wear a face mask, especially when in a crowd and/or in an enclosed place.

If you have symptoms that Saab experienced, such as headache, vomiting, nausesa, and stuffy nose, an infectious diseases expert says you need to isolate immediately and have yourself tested for COVID-19. This will prevent the virus from spreading in your household and beyond. 

Read here for home remedies to relive COVID-19 symptoms.