Having made a full recovery, Shi, a 20-year-old SARS patient, became the first to be discharged from You'an Hospital in Beijing on Thursday.

After a brief send-off party by doctors and nurses, Shi said he was excited to resume his healthy life.

Shi was diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on March 30.

"At first, I had a congested sensation in my chest and panted heavily," said Shi, adding that the symptoms of the illness were alleviated by the anti-inflammation and anti-viral treatments.

According to Jin Ronghua, the doctor in charge of Shi's case, his illness was brought under control within only two or three days of hospitalization.

"SARS patients who recover in three weeks like Shi are suffering a light or moderate infection. Seriously-infected SARS patients with other diseases require more time for treatment," Jin said.

Yang Jianguo, deputy director of You'an Hospital, said facts have proven that SARS can be defeated.

With more recovered SARS patients to be discharged soon, Yang expressed his hope that society would receive them in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

You'an Hospital has been designated as a special hospital to accept and treat SARS patients in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2003)