CEBU CITY - Estrella Huang, one of five patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Cebu City, has recovered from the disease, proving the elderly can survive the pathogen.

The 69-year-old Huang, an internal medicine specialist at the Cebu Doctor's Group of Hospitals, was admitted to the hospital 3 weeks ago after testing positive for COVID-19. She was sent to the intensive care unit.

Huang, who also works as an instructor in the medical school, may have contracted the virus in a hospital or in the private clinic as she has no history of travel abroad.

On the 8th day of her stay in the ICU, her health started to deteriorate, alarming her colleagues watching over her.

But she slowly improved with the help of antibiotics and anti-viral drugs administered through her IV drip.

"She had a positive outlook, and in a day or two, she turned it all around," said Dr. Yong Larrazabal, president of the Cebu Doctor's Group of Hospitals.

On April 4, she tested negative for the virus. The following day, she was sent home to rest.

On her way out, the hospital's medical staff greeted her with congratulatory placards and a song.

"Her recovery has boosted our morale. A 69-year-old can beat COVID," said Larrazabal.