We're very curious on how everyone feels about the "flu" going around. At first with the war situation we were going to continue our trip leaving this Thursday as planned to London. Our doctor today stongly encouaged us not to leave the country. We are starting to get aprehensive about going. Anyone else have any feedback??

Your doctor's reaction seems rather strong! The flu has hardly hit epidemic proportions. Further, weren't the reported cases in Asia, not Europe?

No epidemic of (the presumed paramyxovirus infection, which may be responsible for) Severe Acute Resipratory Syndrome has blossomed in any country in Europe, and certainly not in London. Nor has it been traced to any air travel in the week since it first made the news.<BR><BR>Unless your doctor is a travel expert, or knows something that I don't know (and I am not a &quot;travel medicine&quot; specialist, nor do I even treat adults in any context), I think that an opinion &quot;not to leave the country&quot; reflects a politicial bias or some other concern.<BR><BR>The greatest threat to your health - - if you travel to London this week - - is a motor vehicle accident in this country, in your travel to the airport (in my opinion).<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex Bickers, M.D.<BR>Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics<BR>[email protected]<BR>

There was one suspected case of SARS here but the man had returned from Asia where he contacted it.and is in recovery.

Just curious, what is your age? I think it is inappropriate for a physician to tell not to leave the country because of the &quot;mystery virus&quot; unless you have a very weak immune system or the like. My spouse and I (who is also in the medical field) are going to london and Italy in May. SARS is already in the US. My Aunt who a cought severe case of pnemonia (hospitalized for 2 weeks) almost immediately after getting off a plane in December was told by her doctor that she may have had SARS. I think I disagree about you not traveling unless you have personal health restrictions.

Thanks for your replies. Just to clarify some questions. We are both very healthy with no health issues. We are 36yo.<BR>Thanks again

If you're worried, you could monitor the World Health Organization's website, which keeps a daily tally, broken down by country, regarding the number of cases and number of deaths.<BR><BR>I just got back from Hong Kong and am leaving for Europe via London next week. Based on the information we've been monitoring, you need to have close contact with someone who is infectious (eg physical contact, or perhaps sharing a small enclosed space like an elevator with someone who is sneezing and coughing on you). I wasn't worried about travelling through airports and sitting on planes (although if the person beside me or behind me had been sick, I might have been more uncomfortable - and might have gone so far as to insist on moving or changing my flight). <BR><BR>Keep in mind the difference between relative and absolute risks. Hong Kong is relatively more risky than my hometown regarding this disease, and London is probably relatively more risky than my town regarding terrorist attacks, but we're talking (for example/argument's sake) about an 8/100 million chance versus 4/100 million chance. In absolute terms you're talking about 4 in 100 million. You're at greater risk of injuring yourself while taking a shower.

Well, kenanddavid, there are some excellent drs and not so good drs out there, just like in any other profession. Although I don't know your specifics it appears your md may be ill informed. As mentioned before, my spouse is a dr &amp; we're going, you can draw your own conclosions. Have a great time!

Rex:<BR><BR> We enjoy your posts very much and they are helpful, but whe do you practice medicine? Are you retired?

I consider myself semi-retired. I take more night call than I work days. Sometimes I work 60 hours a week, and other times I work less than 15 (daytime). Even when I am on call at night, I find a certain numvber of hours with idle time on my hands.<BR><BR>And yes, I am severely addicted to the internet.<BR>

I just want to say &quot;thanks so much&quot; for taking the time to respond to my question. It truley means alot and is greatly appreciated!!!!

I know it's too late now for you to start this but before my trip to Europe last year I took a course of echinacea and other herbal extracts, sorry can't remember the commercial name but will do so again before our winter. Even tho' the flu' was pretty rife in Italy when I was there I never had a hint of a cold or the flu' even tho' I was near to people who had it quite badly. I was so pleased I had taken this course and recommend others do the same before a long trip.