SARS - Deadly Destruction

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

- Deadly Destruction

The deadly disease, spread by the coronavirus is here to stay. No home quarantine orders or daily disinfecting routine is clearing this menace from the face of earth, not yet. Unfortunately, the disease has brought with it not just the tragedy of deaths and the trauma of illness but the uncertainty of cure and fear of contracting the infection. Yet, situations that stretch our endurance and spirit are lessons in the extremes of the human psyche - its zenith and its depth. For if fear is rock bottom, we also see acts of heroism, courage and relentless effort unfold daily before us.

Most People, like myself for instance read and talk about SARS everyday. We exchange daily news updates of how many new cases have been reported, how many persons died and what the doctors are doing to battle the disease. Beneath that intellectual facade, strong emotions reign undefeated. Will there be more new cases today? Will doctors or researchers find a cure for SARS? Is someone I know the next victim? My body aches, am I coming down with a fever? Should I take a M.C.? Should I send my kids to school? Myriad questions but few answers flit through my mind.

Over a cup of strong coffee, I calm myself down. Man fights a ceaseless battle against nature - viruses will always exist and as we victoriously find cures, they unceremoniously mutate and adapt. So, I must learn to accept that SARS will be there, for sometime at least. In the meantime, I must find my own answers to the questions, making important decisions for myself. As I decide to take my temperature and sigh with relief at the sight of 36.9 degrees Celsius, I also realize that insignificant though I am, I form a crucial link in the armour against death, disease and destruction. Every decision made by every single person contributes to the welfare of mankind. So, the lessons I repeated to myself were:

Don't panic - that will not help you avoid contracting SARS.
It is natural to feel anxious and worried when faced with uncertainty and threat. Keep yourself aware by following the news reports but distract yourself with routine and your normal activities.
Remember the advice given by doctors and follow them - take care of your health and hygiene.
Be a responsible citizen - report fevers, don't change doctors and above all, don't spend time worrying over what your neighbour is doing.
De-stress with the soothing routine of normalcy - wash your hands frequently and avoid crowded places but do not develop an attitude of doom. After all, SARS or not, life must go on...

If you are experiencing some anxiety, you may want to learn more about Anxiety Reactions to SARS. Alternatively, you may contact us.