"That's correct. There are nearly always newcomers who ignore the warnings and become quite ill over time, unfortunately, so you may witness it at some point."

Freya's always been one to be cautious; she's determined, but not exactly stubborn when it comes to her health--not when she has things to return to. It's better to do what they suggest to stay well than to take the risk of becoming ill and being unprepared should anything happen.

"The effects are not immediate, at least," she says, trying to be a bit more reassuring than the topic has been so far. "They do not occur until a week or two has passed with little or no contact."