There are now 6,234 cases of SARS in 27 countries, and 435 have died.
Scientists have discovered the virus can live in the environment for up to four days.
One study showed the virus survived for at least 24 hours on a plastic surface at room temperature, which suggests it might be possible to become infected from touching a tabletop, doorknob or other object. Another found the microbe remained viable for as long as four days in human waste, a crucial finding that could clarify how the virus can spread through apartment buildings, hospitals and other facilities.
German scientists found a common detergent failed to kill the virus, indicating that some efforts to sterilize contaminated areas may be ineffective. An experiment conducted in Japan concluded that the virus could live for extended periods in the cold, suggesting it could survive the winter.
It has been discovered the virus died at 98.6 F and remained viable when temperatures dropped to 32 degrees.
What scientists don’t know is how much of the virus infects someone. The new findings could help scientists develop tests to detect the virus and the development of a serum using anti bodies.
Looking back…looking forward…. is looking forward. Congratulations Dr. Bott!!
Micheal Coren, a well known Canadian columnist writes about why he takes Prozac.
But it was dreadful. I survived on four hours sleep a night, prayed and begged for some relief. It became pathetic. I would feel physically sick when I tried to play with my children. Which in turn set off a profound sadness. Depression? Not really. Though I have in my time experienced a day or two of that. Truly a glimpse into hell.
He has little use for the fundies and alternative types.
There should be no stigma. Just like a diabetic has to take insulin, there are people who require some chemical help in their emotional and mental life. It doesn’t make someone crazy, soft or odd. In fact, it takes a certain courage to admit help is needed.
Having watched a debate about depression recently on a few blogs, it’s great to see this kind of honesty.
Published 5 years, 6 months agoIt’s impossible to know what it can be like unless you’ve been there. And when you’ve been there, you’ll be mighty grateful to the person who pulls you out.
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Agreed, imho medications are part of what can be considered “healing” from God.
Also, thanks for tracking the SARS epidemic Bene. It is very concerning!
I wish there was a word to distinguish depression the “I’m so depressed” blues, and depression the “welcome to your own personal hell” illness. Calling them the same thing minimises the illness, which doesn’t help those who have it. Thanks for the link Bene.
Bene,
First off, thanks for the link this morning.
Second, regarding depression, I agree that we need to distinguish between being in a funk and the life-sapping feelings of clinical depression. My wife has struggled with *mild* depression (partly seasonal), as have others in my church. It is not something you can just decide to “get over”, and there is no shame in seeking medical help for it.
Finally, I’ll echo the thanks of others for keeping the spotlight on SARS. It’s easy to succumb to hysteria, or to adopt a head-in-the-sand posture. Neither is very wise. For me, with the advent of the summer mosquito season, I’m waiting to see what West Nile Virus has in store for us. NRO has some interesting facts about it, including the following: “Roughly 80 percent of the people who are exposed to WNV do not show any symptoms. Of the remaining 20 percent who develop “West Nile fever,” one of every 150 require hospitalization. Nonetheless, in 2002, 3,399 people in 39 states became ill enough with WNV flu-like symptoms to warrant medical attention, and 193 died — in part because there is no specific treatment available. (For perspective, over 20,000 people die from the flu each year.) Incidentally, those who recover often suffer from polio-like symptoms for a year or more. Louisiana, Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio have reported the largest numbers of victims.” (http://www.nationalreview.com/swan/swan050503.asp)
So at this point, SARS is somewhere between WNV and influenza, eh?
Hi Rich:
Thanks. There is a lot of media hysteria but it certainly doesn’t negate reality. Most medical experts know this is only the beginning of a long war. SARS to me is an indicator of what can happen when public health systems aren’t prepared.
Hi Ali:
I agree. I think believers can do a great deal when we make a decision to stop spiritualizing everything. We need a new word or concept.
Hi Roy:
Don’t get me started about West Nile! Grrrrr.
I respect the US for alerting people and taking pro-active measures, long before our population became aware of this problem.
My government’s response has been disgraceful to say the least, on federal and provincial levels.
Any thing that occurs in the US can be divided by 10 here because of our population base.
A family member nearly died last fall because West Nile wasn’t on the medical radar screen.
Long term effects is anyones guess.
Meantime, healthy adults are in wheelchairs, debilated and undergoing arduous therapy to try to regain use of their limbs.
We’ve already had our first dead WNV raven this spring. Proper clothing, precautions, self-education and Deet aren’t optional.
I don’t trust the government or medical profession assurances and programs given their past head-in-the-sand attitude.
Thanks for the link. I need to keep my head out of the sand too.