Renowned media personality, author, and human rights advocate Janet Mbugua is urging Kenyans to practice utmost caution noting there is a weird covid-like illness going around.
This is after the 41-year-old mother of 2 and her entire family caught the severe flu leading to them being hospitalized.
Sharing her experience while at the hospital, Janet, who recently made a comeback on the big screen (both as a reporter and actress) revealed that she was scheduled to travel to the US but sadly had to cancel the trip, which was a huge career opportunity for her, due to the sudden illness.
“You map out your life, your travels, your work… and then boom-a ninja, COVID-like sickness strikes. Suddenly, your entire family is down, and you’re left sending a million apologies, feeling hurt, confused, and yes, even ashamed-not just for yourself but for those who were counting on you,” the mother of two emotionally shared in part.
Adding, “The biggest weight? The opportunities lost, especially for the people who worked so hard alongside you,”
Janet went on to list a few of the things that she was really sad about missing out on while revealing she’d been put on sick leave for a week.
Former prime time news anchor Janet Mbugua“”Really gutted that I won’t make it to Austin, Texas, to attend SXSW, and I’ve been put on sick leave for a week. I’ll also have to #FixTheNation from a distance,” the budding actress wrote.
Noting that being so unwell to the point of hospitalization felt wild to her, as she has not been sick for the last 4 years or so.
Janet shared, “It’s wild how the body can throw you off course (honestly haven’t felt this sick since 2021, but no, l’m not fishing for sympathy!). In many ways, it feels like my body is saying, ‘Relax, l’ve got other plans-you just have to trust me.”
Wrapping up, the media personality urged Kenyans to take precautions especially when in crowded places as the virus was no joke. She also noted that she has come to terms with the situation and learned to extend herself grace and celebrate a few of the wins she has had in the recent past, instead of dwelling on opportunities lost.
“Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused but also giving myself grace because this was beyond my control,” the author wrote in part.
Adding, “also folks, please mask up in crowded spaces-this virus is no joke. So many people are seriously unwell right now.
That said, here are some moments I’m still celebrating:
- Honoured to be featured on this incredible (20 Women Changing the World) LinkedIn list for Women’s Day week, alongside some truly amazing women. Full list on my LinkedIn profile (at-JanetMbugua)
- #Fixing TheNation on NTV Kenya and Nation FM just turned a month old on March 3rd, and it’s already been such an eye-opening journey!
- As we celebrate milestones, let’s also hold space for the urgent conversation on ending femicide. We must keep amplifying this issue,”
Have you guys experienced this flu-like virus or know anyone battling a cold right now? Also, would you survive if we went back to the era of masks?
by HANNIE PETRA
