Cowichan Valley father in hospital fighting for his life after contracting COVID-19

A 39-year-old Cowichan Valley father of two young girls is clinging to life in a Victoria hospital after becoming infected with COVID-19.

Josh Mellor, who was not vaccinated, tested positive for the virus back on Sept. 2 and is now inside the intensive care unit at Royal Jubilee Hospital, where he is now fighting for his life.

“This morning I got a text from him saying that he was going to be intubated [and] that he loved me. So right now he’s on a ventilator,” his wife Miranda Mellor told CHEK News as she fought back tears.

According to Miranda, what started out as a runny nose, turned to body aches and then severe coughing.

Five days later Josh, who has asthma, was assessed at Cowichan District Hospital and later sent home with pain killers along with new inhalers and a finger monitor.

The next day, however, Josh’s breathing become so laboured that Miranda called an ambulance. Paramedics transported him back to the Cowichan District Hospital, but eventually, he was transferred to Royal Jubilee in Victoria, where he’s been since.

“When I called the nurse this morning she said that he had trouble maintaining his oxygen levels on the 100 per cent so they felt the ventilator was needed,” said Miranda.

Miranda, who herself has received two doses of vaccine, said her husband was on the fence about getting vaccinated for the virus. She wishes she had urged him to talk to his doctor, who knows his medical history and is now urging others to do the same.

“Really make an effort to speak to your healthcare provider and make that decision. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody and it’s been hard,” said Mellor through tears.

Miranda says she wants to thank those helping her husband.

“Can I just say a big thank-you to the health care workers? I know that they are so overwhelmed right now and they’re doing everything they can,” said Mellor.

A relative has started a GoFundMe to help the family. Miranda is on maternity leave and Josh is a self-employed heavy-duty mechanic. She says she can’t thank people enough who have already generously donated.

Josh Mellor, a 39-year-old Cowichan Valley man, is fighting for his life inside a Victoria hospital after becoming infected with COVID-19. (Photo supplied)

Josh Mellor and his wife Miranda, left. Josh was on the fence about getting vaccinated for the virus, according to Miranda, who says she wishes she had urged him to talk to his doctor who knows his medical history and is now urging others to do the same. (Photo supplied)

khanson@cheknews.ca

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