Your panic is palpable, and not productive. Panic never is.
However sometimes gut instinct
is productive. For example....
"The first plane hit the tower and we all ran to the windows. People started to pack and get things together to get out of there when a voice came on the loudspeaker and said we're okay, it's just a terrible accident next door. Please do not panic. Go back to your desks and stay in your office. Many of the people did that." link
I wonder when we'll hear this from the CDC: "It's OK folks. This country is fine. It's just a terrible outbreak affecting the other countries."
...gut instinct is productiveAnd your gut instinct is to panic? Where will you run to if it is already widespread and not able to be contained?
Someone else posted a list of what we can do to help, and I have to repeat it:
Things you can do about SARS
- Call the CDC in Atlanta and demand they do something. Nobody has done that yet, so you'll be the first.
- Walk in little circles in your yard muttering, "It's coming, it's coming!" The tighter the circles, the better.
- Write as many TV networks and newspapers as you can and demand MORE SARS STORIES. People will stop doing stupid things that spread the disease (like going to China or places where the disease is) if there are enough SARS stories. Remember, even birds stopped migrating because of all the news stories during the West Nile panic.
- Start wearing surgical masks now, everywhere. Even when you sleep. It's never too early.
- Watch TV and stay on the Internet 24/7 to make sure you see all SARS stories and don't miss any. This is important, and really helps.
- Go ahead and start thinking you've caught SARS. That way SARS might think you've already had it.
- Practice one-way breathing -- exhaling only. The more you eliminate inhaling, the better your chances are to avoid SARS. Also start learning to breathe through your ears. Learn to listen through your nose.
- Worry real hard, and a lot. That always works.
- Freep it but good.