SARS in Toronto, Canada

[titan]

I don't know about the rest of you, But I'm
getting a little concerned about this SARS
respiratory disease. I guess Toronto, Canada
has several confirmed cases and I'm worried.
I'm worried because I've planned a vacation to Canada in July and we had planned on going on a train ride through the Canadian
wilderness. This was to be our dream vacation. We are still going for sure, except I just know if somebody coughs at a resaurant it's gonna make me feel uneasy.
I don't want to say anything to my family because I'm probably over-reacting.
I'm just a little worried and hope everything will be OK.

Also, this SARS thing seems to be getting worse and it makes me wonder how bad it will get. I just wanted to get my worry off my chest. Maybe somebody could write me back and tell me that I don't have a legitimate
worry here.

[titan]

I don't know about the rest of you, But I'm
getting a little concerned about this SARS
respiratory disease. I guess Toronto, Canada
has several confirmed cases and I'm worried.
I'm worried because I've planned a vacation to Canada in July and we had planned on going on a train ride through the Canadian
wilderness. This was to be our dream vacation. We are still going for sure, except I just know if somebody coughs at a resaurant it's gonna make me feel uneasy.
I don't want to say anything to my family because I'm probably over-reacting.
I'm just a little worried and hope everything will be OK.

Also, this SARS thing seems to be getting worse and it makes me wonder how bad it will get. I just wanted to get my worry off my chest. Maybe somebody could write me back and tell me that I don't have a legitimate
worry here.

[Gord]

On a similar note, when Gord has his surgery in a couple of weeks, he won't be allowed any visitors unless he is 2 inches from death's door. Most hospitals here are operating under that policy.

So far this SARS thingy seems to be killing people who are already sick.

You have to remember just because somebody is coughing doesn't mean they have SARS.

[Gord]

On a similar note, when Gord has his surgery in a couple of weeks, he won't be allowed any visitors unless he is 2 inches from death's door. Most hospitals here are operating under that policy.

So far this SARS thingy seems to be killing people who are already sick.

You have to remember just because somebody is coughing doesn't mean they have SARS.

[titan]

I realize that if someone coughs it doesn't mean they have SARS. I was just saying that it will make me feel uneasy. Does anyone know what city Gord will be hospitalized?

I certainly would not want to be anywhere near a hospital in Toronto. I also don't want to be on a train in Canada with alot of other people. If I see someone with a surgical mask on, it will gross me out.
Does anyone have any thing to add to this?

[titan]

I realize that if someone coughs it doesn't mean they have SARS. I was just saying that it will make me feel uneasy. Does anyone know what city Gord will be hospitalized?

I certainly would not want to be anywhere near a hospital in Toronto. I also don't want to be on a train in Canada with alot of other people. If I see someone with a surgical mask on, it will gross me out.
Does anyone have any thing to add to this?

[fowlesjohn]

Titan, i for one would be very happy if i see aperson with a surgical mask on, I know that they are protecting me from whatever they have...when we first moved to Japan and I first saw people with these masks on I was concerned, but, it is a good idea that has not caught on in America simply because of space and culture, but, things change, even here. Try ot look at the positive side of it, you can't get what they have if they are protecting you from it. And please don't assume that because someone has on a surgical mask that they have a deadly disease, in Asia they are used for the common cold. Why make yourself ill over something positive, relax and realize if people are that sick they are probably in hospital or home. enjoy your trip to Canada, maybe you should carry a few surgical masks in case you get a cold and need to protect your loved ones and others from a simple cold. You are going to have a wonderful trip and we want to hear the details, especially as it relates to that Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot.
We have plans to do the Canadian railroad trip next year for our 25th anniversary... I am anxious!
GSS

[gwen snyder]

Titan, i for one would be very happy if i see aperson with a surgical mask on, I know that they are protecting me from whatever they have...when we first moved to Japan and I first saw people with these masks on I was concerned, but, it is a good idea that has not caught on in America simply because of space and culture, but, things change, even here. Try ot look at the positive side of it, you can't get what they have if they are protecting you from it. And please don't assume that because someone has on a surgical mask that they have a deadly disease, in Asia they are used for the common cold. Why make yourself ill over something positive, relax and realize if people are that sick they are probably in hospital or home. enjoy your trip to Canada, maybe you should carry a few surgical masks in case you get a cold and need to protect your loved ones and others from a simple cold. You are going to have a wonderful trip and we want to hear the details, especially as it relates to that Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot.
We have plans to do the Canadian railroad trip next year for our 25th anniversary... I am anxious!
GSS

[SilverHeels]

Titan,

the Canadian press today have announced that there have been no new cases in 19 days.
That sounds pretty hopeful, dont you think?

Try to stay positive. Besides, July is still three months off. http://www.corfid.com/ubb/smile.gif

[DMD3]

Like Titan, I too am getting a bit uneasy about this SARS virus. I wish I could find out more about it. Like if you are diagnosed with it, do you ever get over it? Or should you start making your will because you have no chance of living? What I think I want to know more than anything is if you have the virus, what are your chances of dieing.
If anyone know more about this disease than I do, please let me know. Maybe, just like Titan, it is just me and I'm overreacting.

"I got a funny feeling that it's me, it's worth believin"

[DMD3]

Like Titan, I too am getting a bit uneasy about this SARS virus. I wish I could find out more about it. Like if you are diagnosed with it, do you ever get over it? Or should you start making your will because you have no chance of living? What I think I want to know more than anything is if you have the virus, what are your chances of dieing.
If anyone know more about this disease than I do, please let me know. Maybe, just like Titan, it is just me and I'm overreacting.

"I got a funny feeling that it's me, it's worth believin"

[Tyler]

Titan
Go to the website for CDC (center for disease control). I received some information through the ambulance service regarding SARS and the CDC is where the information came from. I can send you a copy if you wish. Unfortunately it does state that the largest sector infected are hospital workers. Makes me worried about GL going to the hospital, but I bet he will be going back to Hamilton since that is where he had his care, and if it is still a remote possibility that he will catch it there I'm sure thay will postpone or go somewhere else i it can not be delayed.

[brink]

Titan
Go to the website for CDC (center for disease control). I received some information through the ambulance service regarding SARS and the CDC is where the information came from. I can send you a copy if you wish. Unfortunately it does state that the largest sector infected are hospital workers. Makes me worried about GL going to the hospital, but I bet he will be going back to Hamilton since that is where he had his care, and if it is still a remote possibility that he will catch it there I'm sure thay will postpone or go somewhere else i it can not be delayed.

[titan]

The train trip is called the Agawa Canyon train tour. It sounds like alot of fun.
My little girl is sooo excited!!! I just want to be cautious and make sure everything
is gonna be OK. We are also going to spend
a day at Mackinac island and the Soo Locks.
We will get to see Canadian fireworks on July 1 and USA fireworks on the 4th.

I don't think I'll be taking any surgical masks with us. I never made a safe room with duct tape and plastic in my home either.

[titan]

The train trip is called the Agawa Canyon train tour. It sounds like alot of fun.
My little girl is sooo excited!!! I just want to be cautious and make sure everything
is gonna be OK. We are also going to spend
a day at Mackinac island and the Soo Locks.
We will get to see Canadian fireworks on July 1 and USA fireworks on the 4th.

I don't think I'll be taking any surgical masks with us. I never made a safe room with duct tape and plastic in my home either.

[DMD3]

Hey, I didn't see that message posted by SilverHeels cause it had bin awhile before I clicked the reload button. No new cases in 19 days? That's grreat!!!
I'm not AS uneasy as I was before, but still, if anyone knows the % you have of living or dieing, DO let me know!!!


Oh yeah, I haven't watched the news in a few days so I could be wrong but I don't think there have bin any cases close to Tifton Georgia. But I'm not one that tunes in to the news constantly either.

[DMD3]

Hey, I didn't see that message posted by SilverHeels cause it had bin awhile before I clicked the reload button. No new cases in 19 days? That's grreat!!!
I'm not AS uneasy as I was before, but still, if anyone knows the % you have of living or dieing, DO let me know!!!


Oh yeah, I haven't watched the news in a few days so I could be wrong but I don't think there have bin any cases close to Tifton Georgia. But I'm not one that tunes in to the news constantly either.

[titan]

That is good news about the 19 days!! Let us hope that scientist are working on a treatment and cure!! Thanks for all of your support and comments. I always find that you
should be cautious about the unknown. I may not be taking surgical masks with us, but I will pay close attention to the news. Again,
I just want everything to be OK.

[titan]

That is good news about the 19 days!! Let us hope that scientist are working on a treatment and cure!! Thanks for all of your support and comments. I always find that you
should be cautious about the unknown. I may not be taking surgical masks with us, but I will pay close attention to the news. Again,
I just want everything to be OK.

[fowlesjohn]

I had heard something beginning of week that they had isolated some strain and were close to knowing a possible cure...
GSS

[gwen snyder]

I had heard something beginning of week that they had isolated some strain and were close to knowing a possible cure...
GSS

[SomewhereupinMichigan]

Titan: You'll really enjoy the Agawa Canyon train ride. They run it in the winter too as a Snow Train and it is usually sold out. Very breathtaking scenery. The time at the Soo Locks will be interesting, be sure you visit the Maritime Museum that is located adjacent to the Locks. Mackinac Island is interesting as long as you enjoy fudge and horse shit. If you have an aversion to either, stay away! The hydroplane ride from the mainland to the island will be a thrill...as well as seeing the Mighty Mac (bridge) from the water view. Make time to spend a day tromping around at Tahquamenon Falls, too...and try to get over to Munising and take the Pictured Rocks Lake Superior boat tour. I think I remember you saying you were renting a cottage somewhere in the woods near Whitefish Point. It is easy to find Tahquamenon Falls State Park from there, very nearby and well worth the time to see the falls up close. St Ignace and Mackinac City are nice little towns to visit, eat and shop in too when you do the Island trip. Be sure to check out the Fort Mackinac historic sites on both the island and in Mackinac City..and the same family pass (around $50) will get you into the Old Mill Creek State Park facility just a bit southeast of Mackinac City which is interesting if you want to see how they handled the sawmills and lumbering at the turn of the century. Geesh! I should be the Mackinac Chamber of Commerce!!!
Have a great trip and don't worry about the SARS thing....it is not likely to be an issue out in the area where you will be vacationing. Toronto is a long way from northern Ontario and there is plenty of open space and woods to filter out all the evil germs. Besides, most of the people on the Algoma Central Railroad will be tourists from the States anyway.

[Steve DeRosa]

Have fun on your trip, Titan...I'm sure your family will enjoy it, sounds like you have a great trip planned! Try not to worry about SARS, just use common sense.

[Oma]

Have fun on your trip, Titan...I'm sure your family will enjoy it, sounds like you have a great trip planned! Try not to worry about SARS, just use common sense.

[hfan]

Hey guys!
While the SARS cases are a concern, please don't get the wrong picture. I live in Hamilton, 45 minutes down the highway from Toronto. I have not seen anyone walking around in public with masks on. Life is carrying on like normal. The only impact this has on people around me is that hospitals are not allowing visitors in to visit loved ones unless they are screened and are very close relatives. And perhaps occassionally, if you see someone coughing and looking sick you may think of SARS. I teach in a school and one of my students had a bad cold this week. Guess what she had? A bad cold. She coughed and she stayed home one day. Life is normal. We are all aware also (because of the news) of the symptoms. Most who show symptoms I think would stay home and take appropriate action. My point is life is pretty much going on as normal. The images you see of people with masks on etc. is not what Toronto looks like. Those images are coming from the eastern countries where the disease has a far more serious grip on the population. Medical authorities in Ontario have kept the spread of the disease under control. Recent news reports are suggesting that there are no new cases and that we are turning a corner.

Please don't cancel your train trip. I think that you will be safe. And that train trip is nowhere near where the outbreak has occurred.

Just a few thoughts from someone in Ontario and who lives close to Toronto.

[hfan]

Hey guys!
While the SARS cases are a concern, please don't get the wrong picture. I live in Hamilton, 45 minutes down the highway from Toronto. I have not seen anyone walking around in public with masks on. Life is carrying on like normal. The only impact this has on people around me is that hospitals are not allowing visitors in to visit loved ones unless they are screened and are very close relatives. And perhaps occassionally, if you see someone coughing and looking sick you may think of SARS. I teach in a school and one of my students had a bad cold this week. Guess what she had? A bad cold. She coughed and she stayed home one day. Life is normal. We are all aware also (because of the news) of the symptoms. Most who show symptoms I think would stay home and take appropriate action. My point is life is pretty much going on as normal. The images you see of people with masks on etc. is not what Toronto looks like. Those images are coming from the eastern countries where the disease has a far more serious grip on the population. Medical authorities in Ontario have kept the spread of the disease under control. Recent news reports are suggesting that there are no new cases and that we are turning a corner.

Please don't cancel your train trip. I think that you will be safe. And that train trip is nowhere near where the outbreak has occurred.

Just a few thoughts from someone in Ontario and who lives close to Toronto.

[TheWatchman]

The SARS virus kills as many people as influenza does each year. About 10% of those who catch it. From what I have read, SARS is a form of a cold virus and most likely most people have had it at one time or another. What is left to find out is the characteristics of it, I guess.

Yes, this is very unsettling because of all of the "unknowns" about it. I wonder if there isn't a whole lot more to this than they (scientists) are not telling us in an attempt to avoid mass panic. I think the situation is worse than what they are leading us to believe. Especially being that scientists from other countries who are studying this virus and monitoring patients in Hong Kong say that Hong Kong and other countries have not been forthright with telling them how many people actually have caught SARS. They said the cases over there are much higher than what they want to admit.

I think that Nova Scotia had several cases as well. It's definitely unsettling. I am thankful that I do not fly twice a week anymore. I just hope that they can get this under control because at the moment, it seems unstoppable.

[Auburn Annie]

For information about SARS, check out the Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov. (http://www.cdc.gov.)

So far, the mortality associated with SARS is roughly the same as community-acquired pneumonia (6% vs 5%) which has been with us forever.
"The severity of illness might be highly variable, ranging from mild illness to death. Although a few close contacts of patients with SARS have developed a similar illness, the majority have remained well. Some close contacts have reported a mild, febrile illness without respiratory signs or symptoms, suggesting the illness might not always progress to the respiratory phase." http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5212a5.htm

In Canada there have been 341 probable or suspected SARS cases with 18 deaths; 231 have been discharged from hospital or never entered, choosing to recover at home. From Health Canada's site:
"A CDC travel alert provides a more accurate assessment of the situation in Canada. It states that: “Currently, all cases in Toronto are linked to Toronto's original index case and spread has been through person-to-person contact. SARS transmission in Toronto has been limited to a small number of hospitals, households, and specific community settings.”" That's from today's (4/25) update.

[Auburn Annie]

For information about SARS, check out the Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov. (http://www.cdc.gov.)

So far, the mortality associated with SARS is roughly the same as community-acquired pneumonia (6% vs 5%) which has been with us forever.
"The severity of illness might be highly variable, ranging from mild illness to death. Although a few close contacts of patients with SARS have developed a similar illness, the majority have remained well. Some close contacts have reported a mild, febrile illness without respiratory signs or symptoms, suggesting the illness might not always progress to the respiratory phase." http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5212a5.htm

In Canada there have been 341 probable or suspected SARS cases with 18 deaths; 231 have been discharged from hospital or never entered, choosing to recover at home. From Health Canada's site:
"A CDC travel alert provides a more accurate assessment of the situation in Canada. It states that: “Currently, all cases in Toronto are linked to Toronto's original index case and spread has been through person-to-person contact. SARS transmission in Toronto has been limited to a small number of hospitals, households, and specific community settings.”" That's from today's (4/25) update.

[titan]

That was an education!!! Thank-you and I feel much better now. Everyone seemed to ease my worry.

[titan]

That was an education!!! Thank-you and I feel much better now. Everyone seemed to ease my worry.

[TheWatchman]

I found this on CNN's website.

http://www.thefurshed.com/Sars1.gif
http://www.thefurshed.com/sars2.gif
http://www.thefurshed.com/sars3.jpg

http://www.thefurshed.com/sars4.jpg
http://www.thefurshed.com/sars5.jpg

[char]

I just got back yesterday from Saratoga NY. I was in Toronto at Union Station at the busiest time of day on thursday night. i flew out of the airport - not a person in sight with a mask. it is a centralized thing all relating back to one family. those wearing a mask are not protecting you fromt hem. they shouldn't be out if they have SARS. they are wearing them to protect themselves. i'm fine. had a great time with the Lightfoot folks and the Lightfoot Tribute Band was spot-on perfect. Go on your trips, take your train rides, don't worry....
Char