The infectivity of SARS is influenced by the following:
• Size of the inoculum (viral population) that has invaded the target organ or cells;
• Virulence of the microorganism; and
• Host immune response.
Prevention is better than a cure so preventive measures like wearing of appropriate masks (though virus is not filterable, masks lessen the amount of virus that can invade your respiratory system), washing-disinfecting of hands and other hygienic measures and quarantine and isolation measures should be coupled with either active or passive immunization of the populace.
But since there are no active vaccines developed yet, I advocate the use of seroconversion immune challenge using together available immune-stimulating vaccines to reinvigorate the immune system.
Though SARS is wreaking havoc and is devastating our lives, we are not totally helpless against it. We could also use immune boosters for healthy and already sick patients, increasing their chance for recovery (I have seen three food supplements that could enhance the immune system).
HGH can rejuvenate the immune system in the elderly. Antioxidants can check the free radicals released by the SARS disease process. Amino acids, enzymes and other supportive therapies could be used like O2 therapy, antimicrobials. Neuraminidase inhibitors like Zanamivir and Qzeltamivir as well as Ribavirin can be used actively.
Personally, it is to my thinking that the virus milieu can be rendered less conducive to its existence by sterilizing the environment, using ultraviolet lights as we do in operating rooms, and using sterilization techniques applied to the environment (done in airports, malls, theaters and churches where contamination is greatest).
SARS threatens every aspect of our lives whether we are democratic or communist; it abolishes every known norm, more and convention that we were accustomed to and we have to rethink every move we make so that our health is not endangered. Case in point is the presence of carriers of SARS (immuno competent individuals that are harboring the SARS virus but do not display any symptoms at all while contaminating us). I personally propose that each one of us should carry a medical passport to monitor SARS spread.
Everyone should help in containing the SARS epidemic. Corporations should give their share for they, too, are affected. Rotary International can apply its generosity like what it did in eradicating polio. NGOs should also help the people help themselves.
The SARS epidemic is worse than a nuclear war or AIDS and the plagues before it because of its virulence. I strongly recommend the banning of all genetic engineering manipulation to prevent another AIDS or SARS from recurring because I doubt the zoonotic theory or that SARS came from animals then infected humans after mutation.
A reasonable additional four or five percent VAT could be used as anti-SARS support fund tax, which could be deleted once SARS is contained. Passive immuno therapy using gamma globulins could augment the hosts’ defense systems.
Amino acid, antioxidants and enzyme piggyback system could be instituted on SARS patients to hasten recovery. Drastic measures are in order during drastic times. The excellent move of Malaysia to temporarily close its airports to contain the SARS epidemic is laudable.
We have to rethink our priorities and redirect our goals toward mere survival from this viral holocaust, instead of grandstanding and politicking. Ask yourself, do I want to live or die? Then act accordingly. Don’t be ashamed to wear a mask if it means saving your own life; don’t be lazy washing your hands if it means saving your family and neighbor’s lives. All those who died of SARS should be cremated for the greater good; temporary measures are no longer tenable, we should act now for tomorrow is too late!
(The author is a noted cosmetic plastic surgeon and a pioneer anti-aging specialist. He is the founder and president of the Philippine Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine Inc., and a charter member of the Philippine Liposuction Society and the Philippine Academy of Medical Specialists. For inquiries, visit him at St. Luke’s MAB, Room 109 or at his Beauty Surgery and Longevity Center at 1823 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue cor. New York st., Cubao, Quezon City, tel no. 721-2592.)