After twelve hours, the insertion of five suction catheters, one chest x-ray, one blood test, one sputum test, one urine test, and a course of tamiflu, I was finally allowed to leave my isolation unit at the Queen Mary Hospital with a diagnosis of "H1N1 negative." But for a moment, yes, I was nervous.
The episode came about after developing flu symptoms over the weekend. On Monday I returned to the office to find that my secretary – just back from Canada - had tested H1N1 positive. Another colleague had been quarantined as a precaution. I immediately joined the dots, and at the recommendation of the company doctor was sent for the test.
With Mrs H in England, and my Blackberry and mobile phone as my only companions, it was indeed a lonely day. I passed the time texting my friends, writing emails, and mastering "Highroller Casino" on my phone – I am now rather good at Texas Hold'em.
A couple of points about quarantine in Hong Kong.
First, the tests are unpleasant – in particular, the "suction catheter". This is inserted up the nostrils, and down the throat to collect liquid. It results in a natural "gag" reaction. Second, reminiscent of Big Brother, a CCTV camera is in the room, which I noticed follow me around. Third, a quick mention to the chefs at the hospital, who with a great sense of irony served a pork stir fry for both lunch and dinner.
Finally – it's amazing I got out at all. I mixed up two of the tests, putting the urine in the sputum pot and vice versa.