Q: With the financial crisis, have you seen more people with suicide attempts in the ER?

Stephanie – Henderson, NV

A:

Congratulations to you, Stephanie, for the most morbid question of the week. The answer is no, thank goodness, I have not seen more people with suicide attempts due to the economic crisis. I have seen quite a few people with anxiety who are struggling with financial problems, losing their job, family stress, etc. I would certainly strongly encourage anyone who is battling depression, or considering suicide for any reason to please get help. If you don’t know where to go, or who to talk to, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), or go to your local Emergency Department.

Q:

Dear ER Doc,

I keep reading reports about West Nile virus – should I be concerned?

Jenn

Sacramento, CA

A:

Okay, the media has made it seem like West Nile is the next black plague, but let’s put it into perspective. Can this virus kill people? Yes. How likely is it? Not very.

In 2007, West Nile caused 124 deaths in the United States. Most people who contract the virus don’t get sick at all, and only about 1 percent become seriously ill. If you are a healthy person, you are unlikely to be significantly affected by this germ.

West Nile virus is now permanently living in the Western Hemisphere, so we should get used to it. We should try to avoid mosquito bites, drain standing water, use repellent, all that good stuff. But on the list of things to worry about in this time of economic crisis, political instability, and the romantic status of Jessica Simpson, it ranks pretty low.