VAN, Turkey

A 103-year-old Turkish woman successfully recovered after contracting the deadly coronavirus.

Having nine children and 25 grandchildren, Zahide Demir was hospitalized after the complaints of shortness of breath and coughing.

Demir was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Ercis Sehit Ridvan Cevik Hospital in the eastern Van province and started receiving treatment immediately.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, internal medicine specialist Dr. Muhammet Erdem said: "As a result of the treatments we applied, our aunt's laboratory values improved, respiratory values became better. Her general medical condition is fine and she is able to eat and drink now."

After 10 days of treatment, she recovered and was discharged with flowers among the applause of the doctors and nurses.

Her children also felt joyful over her recovery. Her son Lutfu Demir said: "We are grateful to all our doctors who strive for my mother's health."

He went onto say: "COVID-19 is a very serious disease. Everyone needs to be careful."

The virus has claimed more than 1.79 million lives in 191 countries and regions since first being detected in Wuhan, China in December last year, according to US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Over 82.12 million people have been infected with the virus and more than 46.49 million have recovered from the disease.

*Writing by Burak Dag