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| Fang Bo, a SARS survivor, has had several major surgeries on his necrotic femoral. (China.org.cn) |
Ye Xin, head nurse at the Emergency Department of Guangdong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, died ten years ago, right as SARS swept across China in 2003. She was the first medical member of staff to die in China after SARS had broken out. Her name brings up the following question: What could we do if a SARS-type virus breaks out tomorrow morning?
The human body produces antibodies against a specific virus after recovering from the specific virus-induced illness. Like the human body, the Chinese government had gradually formed "antibodies" against the "virus" that was China's disease control system after SARS.
Medical staff has become better trained and equipped in regards to self-protection and treatment measures since SARS. Over ten billion has been invested into improving the Chinese disease control system since then and thousands of infectious hospitals have undergone reforms. As a result, the system has gotten rid of its epidemic station mode and created a direct network report system.
The bigger "SARS antibody" for China is that it's improved on the publication of government information, the accountability of officials, international cooperation and the public's right to know the truth.
Physical aftermath of SARS
Most SARS patients who quickly recovered from the disease were able to get back to their normal lives relatively quickly. However, for those who barely survived and who are still suffering from the aftermath every day, life has changed a lot.
Necrotic femoral and pulmonary fibrosis are two major physical consequences of SARS.
Fang Bo, a SARS survivor, has had several major surgeries on his necrotic femoral. Over the past decade, Fang has always felt like time came to a full stop during that fateful spring of 2003. His entire family had caught the disease; his sister and his wife both died that same spring.
Fang Bo was enrolled in the Beijing SARS free treatment-patients list. Half the patients on that list carry a physical disability certificate due to necrotic femoral.
Psychological aftermath
According to a 2006 report on depressive disorders, 39% of SARS patients suffered from major depressive disorder. Many patients have felt hostile since then.
Qiu Mingyue, a SARS patient, is also suffering from necrotic femoral. Ten of her family members were infected in 2003; three of them died, including her mother and two brothers. She has been depressed, hostile and suspicious since she was diagnosed as being a necrotic femoral patient.
Fang Bo thought about suicide right after knowing the consequences of SARS.
Another female patient has felt like the viruses are chasing her for ten years now and has to take a four- to five-hour-long shower every day to get rid of them.
Strong wind, thunder hit Liuzhou City in S. China's Guangxi
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