MY EXPERIENCE AS AN ATTACHEE IN A RESEARCH INSTITUTION

I still remember the day when the news of an Influenza virus outbreak hit the research institution I was working at in Kenya. Panic ensued, as everyone was afraid of contracting the virus and spreading it to their loved ones. Well that was everyone except me because I was and still am living alone and would not therefore pose a huge risk to anyone except for myself. As a research attaché in the immunology department, I knew that I had to remain calm and focused in order to continue with my work, while also taking necessary precautions to protect myself and the people who may come around me.

The first thing that struck me was how frightening quiet the normally bustling institution had become. Since Covid-19 hit most people were working from home (non-researchers or researchers who were workingon non-practical tasks), while others had taken time off to take care of their families. Those of us who remained at the institution had to follow strict guidelines to minimize the risk of infection. We had to wear masks at all times, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain a safe distance from others because at this time there were speculations that this could be another wave of Covid-19. But you know as an attaché as the street saying goes……. ‘This was my time to shine’ and show the entire team and supervisors how I could perform the task well than the rest. Don’t get me wrong though, it was not in a bad way. I wanted to make sure that I would be in the team that would probably bring a solution to the ongoing outbreak. This would be a vaccine. As a young profession I would have hit the jackpot as the gamblers call it.

I found myself excited to be working on a project that could potentially help combat the virus. Our team was working on developing a vaccine that could provide long-term protection against not just the current strain, but future strains as well. We worked tirelessly, conducting experiments and analyzing data, while also collaborating with researchers from around the country and the world at large. We all shared a common goal: to find a solution to this crisis. Even though we were working under extraordinary circumstances, I found myself more motivated than ever before. Every day was a new challenge, but we were determined to rise to the occasion. Mornings were something I always looked up to. A new day to combat Influenza.

However, despite my best efforts, I ended up contracting the disease. It started with a fever, then a flu, a cough, headache and muscle aches. I had to take time off from work to recover, but even then, I couldn't stop thinking about the impact that Influenza had on Kenya. Everyone had a flu!!

As time passed, the situation slowly started to improve. The number of cases decreased, and eventually, life returned to some semblance of normalcy. Looking back on those months, I realize how fortunate I was to have access to healthcare and support from my colleagues. It was a difficult and trying time, but I learned that even in the face of adversity, we can come together and accomplish great things. I you are wondering at this point I had to go back to school. Thanks for reading.