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Theo Holloway
Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 3
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2003 10:11 pm Post subject: SARS in Asia, should I be scared? |
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I am currently working on obtaining my CELTA here in the US and I will be finished by the end of July. I was thinking about trying to teach in China or Japan, but after a visit to the doctor today, where he asked me about my upcoming plans, he let me know that he STRONGLY advised that I stay far away from Asia, at least until they know more about the disease. I was wondering if anyone teaching in Asia had any interactions, fears, or other thoughts on the disease. Is SARS something that should make me reevaluate my plans and look more closely at South America or Eastern Europe? Thanks. |
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Roger
Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2003 11:27 pm Post subject: |
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Obey your doctor as he gave you sound advice!
The disease may have originated in Guangdong, Southern China, or in Vietnam - who knows?
The HK authorities are the only ones that have reacted more or less appropriately - quarantining over 1000 people, subjecting travellers with suspicious coughs to medical examinations and keeping schools closed!
The SARS has a name that rings unflatteringly in the ears of Hongkongers - their region is officially called "the SAR (Special Autonomous Region) of HK", so they have been pushing for a different name.
The other name currently in use is "atypical pneumonia".
Close to twenty people have died so far, and worldwide, 1500 people have been recorded as having contracted the condition.
Major places of transmission: Ontario, Canada, Singapore, isolated cases in Europe! |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2003 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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Read the post on SARS in the Japan section. So far, so good. |
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bnix
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2003 12:18 am Post subject: Be Careful.Wherever You Are... |
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There was a news report on the Net today that an airplane from Hong Kong had been quarantined in San Jose, California because it was suspected some passengers were carrying this virus.It has also been reported in Slovenia and Germany among other places,although most cases so far have been in Asia.Four people in Canada have died from it.
No matter where you may be,it behooves you to keep a close eye on the latest news...this is especially true for people like teachers who could possibly contract it from students,etc. |
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Scott in HK
Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 148
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2003 2:51 am Post subject: |
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While I would agree with Roger about staying away now...by July things should have cleared up. When July comes around ask your doctor again and I doubt he will give the same answer. |
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Celeste
Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 814 Location: Fukuoka City, Japan
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2003 9:15 am Post subject: |
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I was reading the Vancouver Sun Newspaper online, and apparently they are going to start doing quarantine screening at the Vancouver international airport on ALL flights originating from Asia, including Japan. Sounds like the authorities are taking this one quite seriously. |
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Paul G
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 125 Location: China & USA
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2003 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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The U.S. consulate in Hong Kong said nonessential U.S. government workers and family members worried about SARS can leave the consulates in Hong Kong and Guangzhou and fly home.
CNN
Another news article I read said that they were actually evacuating all nonessential embassy personnel and flying them home. |
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Shonai Ben
Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2003 10:48 am Post subject: |
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Has everyone read The Stand by Stephen King? |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 13859 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2003 11:05 am Post subject: |
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Dear Shonai Benear ,
I did, many years ago. Haven't read the " revised edition ", though. But that book predated even AIDS, which was identified with King's " virus " when that particular scourge appeared. Besides, SARs ( and doesn't the name seem a little redundant - Serious Acute? ) doesn't kill most of its victims.
Regards,
John |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2003 11:22 am Post subject: Stephen King |
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This may be a surprise to some of his fans, but not everyone has read every novel by Stephen King. Nor do I intend to ! |
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Paul G
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 125 Location: China & USA
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2003 1:22 pm Post subject: |
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John:
In medical terminology "acute" means sudden. |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 13859 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2003 4:13 pm Post subject: Acute -and I was obtuse |
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Dear Paul G,
Aha - so it's not redundant. Thanks, I'd never known that. But then there's a lot of medical terminology I'm ignorant of ( and, with any luck, will remain so ). In that case, ignorance probably does mean bliss, or at least, good health. But scot47, don't dismiss Mr. King ( an ex-English teacher by the way ) so abruptly ( or maybe I should say " acutely " ). I certainly haven't read all of his books, and some of them do seem a bit, well, redundant. But " The Stand " was, I think, quite well-done and a few of his works, not in the " horror genre ", such as " Dolores Claiborne " and " Rose Madder " ( well, there IS a little of the " supernatural in that one ) are very well written, with interestingly developed characters.
Regards,
John |
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Afra
Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389
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