Leen was admitted to a hospital in Abu Dhabi on April 11 with high fever, severe cough and breathlessness.

A seven-year-old Syrian girl has become one of the youngest Covid-19 survivors in the UAE. She is now keen on telling her friends to #StayHome to avoid falling sick.

Leen was admitted to the Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi on April 11 with high fever, severe cough and breathlessness. Her nasal and throat swabs test confirmed that she was Covid-19 positive.

"I am not sure how she got infected as none in the family had any symptoms," said Leen's mother Btoul Diyad. "I stayed all along with Leen in the hospital, wearing personal protective equipment. Nobody else was allowed inside the room, except nurses and doctors. They explained the treatment and medications being used."

Dr Nashwa Bahaa El Din, paediatrician at the hospital, said she was initially worried due to severity of Leen's condition. "When admitted she had severe breathing issues. I explained to Leen about her illness. Even though she is just seven, she followed all instructions."

Leen's family was shattered when test results came positive. "It was a tough time. My husband was home looking after our children. He kept in touch with Leen over the phone," said the mother.

Btoul's samples were also being tested every four days to ascertain the mother wasn't infected.

It was not easy days for Leen as well. "She felt sad, yet was cooperative and obedient. She had no option of going out to play. She spent her time mostly painting, watching TV and reciting Holy Quran," she added.

Leen recovered from Covid-19 after one week of treatment and was discharged on Thursday to a standing ovation from the hospital staff.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com