Coronavirus: 70-year-old UAE expat tells of recovery after falling critically ill – The National

Coronavirus: 70-year-old UAE expat tells of recovery after falling critically ill – The National

Coronavirus: 70-year-old UAE expat tells of recovery after falling critically ill. Abdul Raheem Salam spent 35 days in the intensive care unit. Mr Salam, a school bus driver who moved to the UAE in 1986, was due to return to his home country this year for retirement, but was held back due to his illness and travel restrictions.. "I've always tried to keep healthy," Mr Salam told The National on the day of his recovery.. Mr Salam, who has been in the hospital for 35 days so far, did not have any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.. More than two million tests have been carried out across the country since the outbreak started.. Dr Abduallah said his health gradually started improving, but he remains dependent on a small dose of oxygen.. Mr Salam has developed clots in his lungs' blood vessels because of the virus and has to take blood thinners for the next few months.. Dr Abduallah said Mr Salam was the oldest critical patient his hospital has seen since the outbreak started in the country..