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...gut instinct is productive

And 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.

And your gut instinct is to panic?

No, the example I presented was intended to make a simple point. Sometimes we need to think for ourselves. And my gut instinct tells me to err on the side of caution when it comes to the SARS situation. I won't be making unnecessary trips to the bigger cities. I will be avoiding large groups of people if possible. I will be extra careful about washing my hands and not rubbing my eyes and so on. I may even decide to wear one of the several N95 masks that I purchased in one of my "fits of panic." (heh heh)

Unfortunately, in this day-and-age, anyone who errs on the side of caution is usually accused of panicking by the media. The word "panic" apparently has been redefined to mean any behavior that doesn't involve walking through a shopping mall in a glossy-eyed stupor. Wearing a CDC-approved, N95 mask during an outbreak of a respiratory disease doesn't qualify as panic in my opinion.

I'm very pleased to see all these SARS stories posted on Free Republic. I'm glad to know that others are concerned enough to inform people of this important health issue. I also enjoy reading the posts from people who don't think SARS is a very big deal. It keeps it interesting. This story is definitely worth discussing. Thanks for the reply.