CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- After contracting coronavirus, Dr. Travis Manasco feels he can now better understand his COVID-19 patients.

Manasco, 33, helps to treat some of the sickest cases at WakeMed.  

"This is our training. This is what we are ready for," said Dr. Manasco.

But the job often takes an emotional toll.

"I remember the first COVID patient I saw, telling me that he was going to die, and he died three weeks later," he added.

A few weeks ago, the doctor contracted coronavirus. He isn't sure if he got it from inside or outside the hospital. Manasco says he suffered mild, common cold-like symptoms for a few weeks. He's now recovered and back on the job. 

"I will say I'm able to relate more with the patients. We can talk about their symptoms," he says.

But he's using his first-hand experience with the virus to relay an urgent message about slowing the COVID-19 spread. 

"Wearing a mask and washing your hands are very simple things to do to protect others and to protect you," he says.