IID Director Jim Hanks says HCQ treatment was key in COVID-19 recovery

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-Imperial Irrigation District Director Jim Hanks says hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was the key in his recovery from COVID-19.

Hanks is 74-years-old, immunocompromised, and had a partially collapsed lung.

Hanks say COVID-19 was running ramped through his family and feared he might have been exposed to the virus.

“So I was very concerned about all of those underlying issues because all my life when I caught the flu, I was always right on the verge of pneumonia and heavily congested. so I figured if I get this coronavirus, it’s checked out time for me," said Hanks.

In mid-July Hanks came down with a fever and immediately went to get tested at the hospital.

“While I was waiting for my test results to come, it took five to six days. I started having breathing complications and I knew I was in trouble," said Hanks.

Hanks tested positive for COVID-19. He had a low oxygen level and his body was weakening. After one night at the hospital, doctors were getting ready to transfer him to the county’s alternative care site at Imperial Valley College. Hanks was afraid he wouldn't make it out of there, instead, he decided to go home to be with his loved ones and take his chances.

“It just tore my heart out to hear people be married all their lives and get separated and a loved one go to the hospital and pass away with no family members being there no communication," said Hanks.

Hanks's condition was getting worse. A family member recommended he see Dr. Fareed in Brawley, who has a successful track record treating COVID-19 patients with an 'HQC cocktail' combination.

"Hydroxychloroquine along with zinc and either azithromycin or doxycycline. And it's based upon many studies from colleagues around the world. I work at Pioneers Hospital and as an outpatient medical director. we’ve seen thousands of patients and our results have been very favorable," said Dr. George Fareed, physician.

The HQC was favorable for hanks. He says the HQC combined with a nebulizer helped him get better.

The use of hydroxychloroquine has sparked national debate after studies have claimed that using it can lead to serious side effects. The FDA has also warned against its use saying there isn't sufficient evidence to prove that it helps treat COVID-19.

“It's frustrating and beyond frustrating to know that there is a process out there, a protocol that is being denied to the public," said Hanks.

Despite warnings against the use of hydroxychloroquine, Hanks says he had no hesitation about taking the drug. It’s a treatment members from his family have taken on mission trips to South Africa.

“They take it weeks ahead of time to protect against malaria. So I was asking them about side effects and they said Hank, we’ve never had any side effects," said Hanks.

Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that doctors have been using for years to treat malaria, lupus, and arthritis.

Hanks has now tested negative for the coronavirus and is ready to get back to serving on the IID board.