H1N1 isolates only bodies, but not our hearts

By Zou Jinli

As the H1N1 virus spreads, everyone has become particularly suspicious of people around them exhibiting any symptoms of illness.

I was unfortunate enough to be one of those suspected of being infected; as a result, I’ve experienced quite a bit in the past several days.

On May 10, I felt a little uncomfortable and had mild diarrhea. I didn’t pay attention to it at first. But on May 12, I had a severe fever and diarrhea. The symptoms suggested I could have the H1N1 flu, which terrified me and my roommates.

Suddenly, I was at a loss and afraid of being quarantined with my roommates. What I feared most was that once we were under quarantine, my innocent roommates would blame me for it.

It turned out that although they were shocked by the possibility I had H1N1 flu, they cared for my health and persuaded me to visit the hospital immediately.
I took a taxi to a well-known local hospital.

When I arrived at the clinic designated for those with fever, the hospital took my temperature before I entered, to ensure that I was indeed feverish. My temperature was 38.5 C, so I was admitted and given a facial mask.

Every doctor in the clinic was wearing a mask and disposable gloves. One man sitting in the center had been on a flight with someone infected with H1N1 flu. While he himself had no symptoms, the man had been persuaded to be quarantined and wait for a health inspection.

Hospital staffers listened to my breathing and examined my throat; they confirmed that I was a suspicious case. Doctors took a blood sample from me and I underwent an X-ray. They tried to reassure me, telling me that even if I had H1N1 flu, the death rate was very low.

I got the test results 20 minutes later and learned that my symptoms had been triggered by an inflamed lung. The doctors told me the clinic was “unsafe” and I had to leave right away.
I was chased away and returned home to the warm welcomes of my roommates.
Though I’m no longer under suspicion of having the fatal H1N1 flu, I was moved by how people treated me when I was. Everyone from my roommates to the doctors at the clinic was supportive and helpful.

I’m glad that even though quarantine might isolate us physically, it won’t separate our hearts. We are in this together, and should fight the disease as one.