The Diary of a Wartime Hypochondriac

Wednesday, October 10 2001

Buy gas mask.
Read up on Biological Weapons.

Thursday, October 11

- Write to Bayer, makers of Ciprol, to purchase supply of
antibiotics.

- Write to Health Secretary.

Friday Afternoon, November 2nd, 2001 -

Annoying cough starts - try to ignore it at

first. But, persists - by evening accompanied

by sore throat.

Just adjusting to first spell of cold weather or

something more sinister, more deadly?

Bronchitis back again or early symptoms of

Anthrax?

11.30pm - Watch TV programme on Terrorist

Threat to London. GP admits would not be

able to pinpoint Anthrax in patients presenting

with non-specific flu-like symptoms, without

mention of specific contact with any possible

powder - toxic powder.

Try to dismiss mad thoughts - why would I, of

all people, have contracted a biological germ -

where from?.. Think of mail at work, think of

tube...

Think of New York nurse who died a few days

ago. Then remember bad knee and

remember it could be my cartlidge that needs

removing - then think of hospitals, dangerous

places, full of germs, sick people, tired staff,

surnames...

do I have a common surname - will they mix

me up with someone else? Amputate my

whole leg by mistake?

Can the NHS cope with a mass outbreak of

smallpox? Rush to the mirror to examine boil

on my forehead, just within hairline, so not

quite visible - just as well... now, where is that

witch hazel?..

Must restock the first aid box - buy a bigger

one fit for 21st Century living.

P.S. Survived Winter months.

April 2003

South Pacific Pneumonia-like virus threatens
pandemic. False alarm! Panic called off until
next Winter.