Continues from #2

Notes and Comments #3

 

 

By

 Ching-Chee Chan, PhD

 

As Part of the Supplement to An Alternative Approach

To AIDS and Related Problems: Book 2

All Rights Reserved

Egret Publishing Inc.

May 2003

 

 

 

Further Information about SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

 

Three more healthcare workers in Hong Kong were “infected,” (reference in Chinese). Two healthcare workers in Hong Kong, wearing space suit-like protective clothing, were “infected” by SARS patients. It causes the wearers to perspire profusely while working for only two hours. Wearing more does not mean it is safer (reference in Chinese). Healthcare workers in Hong Kong are usually well trained. Several patients in Hong Kong discharged from hospitals relapsed, (reference in Chinese). Normally patients get well by developing resistance to the cold virus. Some suspected cases of SARS in Taiwan show symptoms of SARS but they have never been in the infected areas nor have been in contact with patients (reference in Chinese). “About eighty percent of the cases occurred among the age group between twenty and forty-nine. This group should have the stronger immunity. It is an anomaly,” stated Zeng Guang, Chief Scientist, Centre for disease Control, China. This age group consists of people carrying the heaviest workload in their society. Twenty-three Canadian deaths are all in Ontario. Only some of the SARS cases test positive for the virus but some test positive for the virus but without the symptoms.  gal  Perhaps infection of the corona virus is not the cause or the only cause. The US has the best mortality rate, zero percent death. Hong Kong and Toronto have the worst ones. Perhaps the US learnt a very good lesson during the AIDS crisis in the Nineteen Nineties. It is not beneficial to make premature decision on the cause of any new disease. Apart from infection, the immune system (how badly compromised), living conditions, mental and physical stress and chemotherapy should also be considered. The people on the Chinese Mainland are willing to do almost anything to make a few yuans under atrocious conditions. This is reflected on the tremendous economic growth but not without cost- mental and physical stress. Hong Kong is densely populated and its bubble economy has burst, resulting in many people owning negative assets. All these can be mentally stressful. The healthcare workers in Hong Kong and the Mainland are both working under tremendous pressure, leading to stress. Wearing more protective clothing may lead to more stress (see above). There is one country near the epicentre but it is not touched by SARS- Japan. The Japanese society is very stable and least stressful. Since 1960, many adults have developed allergies or autoimmune diseases, indicating compromised immune system. Thus many pathogens normally afflicting animals are now infecting human. Intercurrent infection, mental or physical stress or chemotherapy (substantial toxicity) can cause a compromised immune system to overreact and attack its host, resulting in inflammation in tissues and organs, leading to vasculitis and toxic shock syndrome. This is called ENL. It can also occur spontaneously.

 

The basic problem is defective immune system. Intercurrent infection is only part of the problem. Stress is the main factor activating the disease.

 

When this occurs the best hope is zafirlukast and thalidomide. Use of steroids should be minimized because the immune system is needed to fight the intercurrent infection. Drugs with substantial toxicity and doubtful effectiveness should be avoided.

 

Hopefully the authorities on the Chinese Mainland will encourage healthy lifestyle, such as reduce smoking, enough rest, relaxation, improve working conditions. Authorities whether in Beijing or Hong Kong or Toronto should ensure respective healthcare workers have enough rest, relaxation and help to reduce stress. We have enough martyrs among healthcare workers already.

 

May 5, 2003

 

This author sent a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, emphasizing the point of reducing stress in general and especially in the case of healthcare workers to reduce incidence rate among them.

 

Zafirlukast

 

Zafirlukast may have high toxicity (to the liver). Try one of its derivatives or stick to thalidomide.

 

May 8, 2003

 

 

 

 

References

 

 

 

gal. Galloway G. SARS toll rises to 25 deaths in Canada. The Globe and Mail 2003 May 1: A4(col 4), A4(col 6).

 

 

 

 

 

Links

 

High blood Pressure

 

Shortened Versions of the two Booklets

Neurological Diseases

Comment on Alzheimer’s Disease

 

Rethinking Cancer

 

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