SARS: experience at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong

The Lancet, Vol 361, No 9368 ^ | May 03, 2003 | Brian Tomlinson, Clive Cockram

[swarthyguy]

So break out the booze and have a ball,

Cause that's all there is

Is that all there is,

Is that all there is my friend, so let's keep dancing,

Let's break out the booze and have a ball.....



It's getting series, 15% mortality rate!

[Betty Jo]

Where's Peggy lee when you really need her?

[FreepForever]

Yes, there will always be new SARS cases in Hong Kong. The medical field has concluded that it will be an exotic disease in Hong Kong, like dengue fever. It comes and goes. We have also accepted the fact that we have to live with it for decades. So, we also have to accept the fact that we have to wear a mask in public places and wash hands every time we touched a public object. Extremely inconvenient. So what? We still have to carry on with our lives after all is said and done.

The important thing is: through this battle, we have learned how to deal with it. Yes, Hong Kong is right next to China and any SARS carrier can just walk over the border because we are one country. But when SARS do comes back, we all know how to conrol and contain it. And we can all say: "Hey, this is kid stuff. We have seen the worst last year."

Having met and fought with the devil does make a difference. Don't you think so?

[Betty Jo]

I think you are an optimist with out bounds.

You choose to live there,so I guess that is as good a defense as any.

[FreepForever]

Wrong. I am not an optimist. I have teased many optimist on this site and said; "Optimists are those who ignore the danger and die happy." No, I didn't choose to live there, but tell me, where else is safe? The North Pole?

Yes, SARS is not curable and there is no vaccine, yet. We have not ignored the danger. When the danger is there, we have nothing to do but to face it and take whatever action we can to fight it. Do you know what I received as my birthday present? Masks and alcohol wipes.

All I want to tell you is: SARS is containable and controllable. Yes, we have to take a long lists of draconian measures, our economy is doomed for the next decade to come. But still, knowing how to contain and control it makes a lot of difference. And, after SARS, we have many more things to worry about.

And, back to you. Beside worry and fear, what action have you taken to avoid catching and/or spreading the disease?

[Betty Jo]

Well, along with my "worry and fear" put in anger at the stupid governments around the world.

What am I doing to avoid SARS?

I am not going to any oriental restaurants since I know in my area they are owned and or staffed by a lot of recent illegals form the east.

I dont go the dollar stores that are completley Chinese imports any more, since the virus can live on surfaces for an unknown time.

I sure as heck am staying out of airports.

[blam]

"A lot of people (some of the ones that my husband is manager of) take every sick day the minute it is accrued...then they're resentful when they have to use vacation time for a real illness... "

I've managed large groups of people from professional to clock punchers. I've see it all...believe me.

[FreepForever]

If those are the measures you have taken so far to protect yourself, then you are not paranoiac. Your “worry and fear” meter is still in the 20% region. I mean you have to be more proactive.

When you start to wear a face mask in all public places and wash your hands before you touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth) or eat, it should be in the 50% region. That’s what I am doing right now. Believe me. After a month, you will get used to it.

And, when you have done this, the measures that you have taken so far would be unnecessary. You can visit the oriental restaurants, dollar stores and airport again.

[FreepForever]

SARS is not the end of the world nor is it a death sentance. It is just that you have to wear a surgical mask for the rest of you life. Tough choice?

[bd476]

Thanks very much FF. This makes it easier to keep up.