Re: Ebola in Scotland

Just heard on Sky News that they suspect the lady contracted the disease by breaking the rules set down for them, and mingling with the locals. If that is true, and I for one wont believe it until it is proven, that is irresponsible behaviour to say the least.

Two more suspected cases in the UK now as well...

Re: Ebola in Scotland

There are some people who have health phobias, and also people who are hypochondriacs, who will be worried sick about Ebola. You can't be flippant about the disease. I do think, at this point, it's better to keep calm about it.

I remember when swine flu was rife. It was treated like leprosy and lots of people were also up to high dough. We are extremely lucky that we live in the country we do and that we have expert medical treatment that other countries do not have.

I've a feeling the Ebola woman in Glasgow will be treated and will be okay.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

I'm glad you won't believe it until proven, as that is not what I understood was said on Sky news. The doctor speaking said that he could not believe she had got it while working if she indeed followed the strict protocols so he thought she must have got it while in the community. Nothing about breaking the rules. If I understand correctly, the highest risk to those workers is not taking off the suits properly. And clearly the doctor interviewed would like more people to go out to help so I think he presented it in a way so as not to put people off.

And also, as I understand it, there are two more people who are being tested for Ebola as a matter of routine, but they are not suspected cases.

Rumours with no basis in fact at this stage.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

Surprisingly enough although I lived for 7 years in an African country where Dengue Fever was endemic I only know of two people who had the illness. I was far more concerned when the municipality came round to spray the area and the inside of houses as I'm extremely allergic to the insecticide they used.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

[QUOTE=alice76;582280]There are some people who have health phobias, and also people who are hypochondriacs, who will be worried sick about Ebola. You can't be flippant about the disease. I do think, at this point, it's better to keep calm about it.

I remember when swine flu was rife. It was treated like leprosy QUOTE]




Yes, you're probably right Alice, it was the same with Aids at first too - people were fearful mostly out of ignorance about how it might be transmitted. Ignorance creates fear - fear of the 'unknown'.
This is an understandable reaction by people not medically trained, and in fact, can even be vital to self-preservation. Didn't we as children, instinctively know to keep away from dangers we didn't understand, in order to stay safe? It's an inborn reaction to fear the unknown, and can be a life saver in some circumstances. It is not necessarily to be condemned.
However, there is a big difference between fear and hysteria.
Maybe a better answer to allay fear would be to give out more information and education, to help the layman understand more, then we would be left in no doubt what to be alert to and what is perfectly o.k.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

I'm a firm believer in what's for you won't go by you. There's no point dodging illness. It doesn't always work.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

I've got nothing against people going to other countries to help using their specialist knowledge and training. Look at the amount of times we have sent Firefighters & Rescue Teams with their Dogs to Earthquake hit countries to help search and rescue trapped people. The point with this is people who put their lives at risk to help fight Ebola take these risks and there should be a back up plan to be able to screen them and if necessary quarantine them until they are given the all clear. Allowing them to travel on a public transport system is not safe. If people sent to the front line to assist need to be brought back home it should be in a safe and controlled environment.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

That makes perfect sense to me Tyrell, well said.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

[QUOTE=Mups;582434][QUOTE=alice76;582280]There are some people who have health phobias, and also people who are hypochondriacs, who will be worried sick about Ebola. You can't be flippant about the disease. I do think, at this point, it's better to keep calm about it.

I remember when swine flu was rife. It was treated like leprosy QUOTE]




Yes, you're probably right Alice, it was the same with Aids at first too - people were fearful mostly out of ignorance about how it might be transmitted. Ignorance creates fear - fear of the 'unknown'.
This is an understandable reaction by people not medically trained, and in fact, can even be vital to self-preservation. Didn't we as children, instinctively know to keep away from dangers we didn't understand, in order to stay safe? It's an inborn reaction to fear the unknown, and can be a life saver in some circumstances. It is not necessarily to be condemned.
However, there is a big difference between fear and hysteria.
Maybe a better answer to allay fear would be to give out more information and education, to help the layman understand more, then we would be left in no doubt what to be alert to and what is perfectly o.k.[/QUOTE]

I agree, Mups. I was pleased to see last night the emphasis on the fact that you can NOT get ebola from casual contact. Maybe the message will get through enough to reassure some.

Re: Ebola in Scotland

Well put. And it seems that after complaints were voiced by another healthcare worker on the news last night about the "chaotic" system of screening at Heathrow maybe things will improve in this regard.