just got back today from a whirlwind of events that started off with a mild sore throat on monday, eventually developing into flu-like symptoms which saw me being sent to TTSH Communicable Disease Centre 2 for suspected H1N1.

it was really an eye opener to find myself in the trenches of warfare against the H1N1 virus. after reporting to my unit MO (medical officer) for flu-like symptoms and shortness of breath caused by my asthma, he sent me to TTSH A&E where i was subjected to various blood tests, x-rays and nebulization. the A&E ward seemed quite overloaded, with ambulances constantly dropping off patients at the loading bay. waiting time was consequently pretty long, ended up waiting nearly 5 hours before the doctor decided to send me to CDC2 to be warded. had the IV catheters inserted, throat and nose swabs (ouch) taken, and was whisked by a waiting ambulance into CDC2.

i was placed in an air conditioned isolation room (4 x 4 m) with an attached toilet, and was told that i wasn't allowed to step out of my ward. thus began two days of sleeping, eating, or otherwise just staring into blank space. as patient contact was minimized, i rarely got any visitors except for the occasional meal delivery and blood pressure / oxygen test. it was pretty evident every step was taken to minimize the risk of cross infection. my meal containers & cutlery was disposable, everyone wore masks around and had to wear gloves if they were to come in contact with the patient. pretty much the more time you spent in there, the less human you felt every day.