I CAN empathise with cab drivers and passengers after reading the report, "Cabbies go overboard against H1N1" (my paper, June 12).

Given the wide spread of the virus around the world, many of us are more circumspect and are trying to guard against infection.

Although taxi drivers are no exception, some are willing to earn less as they believe in safety first.

We must avoid the situation where people become so paranoid that they unknowingly contribute to a state of fear which, in turn, can have an adverse impact on our lives.

If airports and hospitals are places where you are likely to catch the virus, what about public-transport vehicles like trains and buses?

Does this mean that we should forgo taking the lift in tall buildings and refrain from patronising hawker centres during peak hours?

All these negative attitudes have to change.

Nothing can be more pessimistic than harbouring the notion that the virus is lurking in our midst.

What is more important is that we should take things in our stride.

If anything, we should follow sensible rules of good hygiene like washing our hands properly, wearing a mask if one has a cough or cold and, above all, consulting a doctor if severe symptoms of flu persist.

Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

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