Institute for Respiratory Disease in Guangzhou had its first SARS case on 22 December 2002 when a patient, who was transferred from a hospital in Heyuan, was admitted with fever. It is now almost a year since we put SARS under control. To reflect on the experience and lessons we have learned from SARS would be of enormous benefit to all of us.

Firstly, the government, the health department, and the public should realize the seriousness of the danger of acute infectious disease. As the characteristics of such a disease are not easily recognisable (such as transmission through airborne particles, high death rate, atypical clinical symtoms, etc.), failure to realize the gravity of its danger and take proactive measures would incur mass panic as the situation develops, causing enormous impact throughout the country and in different parts of the world. Up to now, infectious disease still remains the world's major cause of death from disease. The shadow of biochemical terrorism still menaces mankind. This is something we should never forget overlook. Timely and accurate public reporting on epidemics is extremely important for social stability.

Spreading knowledge of the prevention and cure of SARS and other acute infectious diseases is the key to dispel public fears. Education of the public on the mode of infection, the promotion of personal hygiene and good ventilation, and prevention of cross-infection measures are the correct attitude. Some patients (especially SARS suffers after being discharged from hospital) went on to develop "Post-SARS Syndrome," displaying anxiety, depression, and other psychological impediments. To these people we should render every assistance and concern.

When SARS was at its height, the Mainland and Hong Kong media were outstanding in boostering the morale of medical workers and raising people's spirits. Media reports have a duty to abide by the facts. Covering up and excessive exaggeration only lead to public panic.

Healthcare professionals including doctors and medical students should seek out the facts when facing diseases of unknown origin. They may not be the best judge of the situation. What is more important is to seek truth from the facts, such as in the controversy over the cause of the disease and the use of steroids.

We can take pride in saying that the experience and theories of developed countries during the entire battle against SARS were not necessarily better than that of developing countries. Hong Kong was one of the places that first discovered the coronavirus that caused SARS. On the Mainland, traditional Chinese medicine, and non-traumatising ventilation therapies were the treatments that contributed to a dramatically lowering of fatality. The battle against SARS is a national and regional concern, not a competition about technology. We should encourage international cooperation and work together in the fields of pathology, epidemiology, clinical medicine, preventative medicine, and molecular engineering on a long-term basis to continue with the struggle.

Special thanks to The Chinese University of Hong Kong for providing the above information.