Yes, the results were negative, thank God. However, let me recount 3 encounters at Ground Zero which reflects some of the public reaction.
Encounter #1 happened when I left the X-ray room to cross the corridor and return to the isolation ward just about 3m away. A man walking in my general direction saw me, made a abrupt 180 degrees rotation and then walked away as if it was as normal as picking flowers.
Encounter #2 happened after I failed the initial blood test indicating that I was suspected case. To make things sound nice and less serious, they called it 'Suspected URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection)' instead of 'Suspected H1N1'. Anyway, Encounter #2 took place as I was being wheelchaired from the isolation room to the isolation ward by two male nurses. One male nurse was always in front of me motioning people to stay away from me as I was being wheeled through the corridors and to the lifts. I understand they were just doing their job enforcing preventive measures but I must admit the whole charade was slightly embarrasing.
Encounter #3 is by far the best. As I reached the isolation wards, a young lady was leaving some room (office?) and upon seeing me in the wheelchair, spun around double-quick time, ran back to the room and slammed the door. Hmm, must be the Welcoming Committee.
Fast-forwarding, secondary swab tests (the main deciding factor of H1N1) came back 2 days later with negative results so that was a huge relief but I had to stay an extra day because of a recurring fever. Other than that, the hospital staff and nurses were very friendly and caring throughout my 3 days there. I respect them as they continue to brave the everyday dangers of the H1N1 virus. Thank You doctors, nurses of Ward 17 and not forgetting, the nurse who was stuck with me in the isolation room while waiting for the initial test results - it was nice talking to you.
P.S. Ever since my childhood, I don't think I've watched this much television over 3 days.
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