SARS - Symptom, Causes, Treatment And Prevention

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a disease caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and is a viral respiratory disease of zoonotic origin. In southern China between November 2002 and July 2003, an outbreak of this epidemic disease registered 8,096 cases, resulting in 774 deaths reported in 37 countries with the maximum outbreak in Hong Kong. Fortunately, no cases of SARS have been reported (according to WHO) since 2004.

Several reports from China after the SARS epidemic, on some recovered patient showed several long-time prolonged sequelae exist. The most typical illnesses that happened to persons infected with SARS includes, osteoporosis, pulmonary fibrosis and femoral necrosis.

Diseases which have in certain cases led to complete loss of their working abilities or the ability for self-care. There are also reports that as a result of quarantine procedures, some of the post-SARS patients have also at times documented suffering from acute PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) and other major depressive syndrome.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a full form of SARS that occurs due to virus strains, coronavirus (SARS-CoV). In this condition, the respiratory system gets affected and may show symptoms like:

• Common cold
• Fever (above 104°F)
• Cough
• Chills or shaking
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Headache
• Sometimes diarrhea are complained after 3-5 days of infection.
• Confusion
• Malaise
• Skin rashes
• Aches in the whole body

• Any patient already infected with the SARS-CoV virus may become the first reason for the spread of this infection.
• When infected patient sneeze, or cough and other person caring for him or her is at higher risk of getting SARS infection.
• Activities like kissing, hugging, touching performed with the patient of SARS, may increase the chances of this infection.
• This infection also gets transmitted when utensils used by the infected patients shared with another person for eating or drinking.
• Any form of respiratory droplets available on certain places can also spread SARS as this virus can remain active in the surroundings for several days.

SARS virus is showing symptoms similar to pneumonia and flu so it may be only diagnosed when it is an outbreak. Person complaining of fever for more than 3 days without any drop in body temperature, shortness of breath, cough like a symptom, the doctor may perform radiographic tests to determine it.

After this all examination, healthcare professionals suggest some laboratory tests like Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), serologic testing to identify the virus type as SARS-CoV. There may be chances of taking samples of nasal and throat swabs for growing virus cultures.

Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV virus strain of coronavirus and there are no specific treatment plans available. Further growth of virus can be prevented by prescribing or injecting antiviral and/or antibiotics medications. The forms of supportive medication for fever, cough may be provided by the doctor.

It is recommended by the WHO to isolate such patients from other population and precautions like wearing face masks and goggles are advised to avoid further spread of this virus. To maintain oxygen levels of the body, the oxygen masks or ventilators are given to the patient.

Most people who become infected, will experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Maintain social distancing
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
4. Cover mouth and nose with a mask and hand gloves before you leave your house
5. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
6. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
7. Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider

Follow: WHO Advice For The Public

In SARS, the virus is mainly affecting respiratory system and deaths are caused due to respiratory failure. Due to difficulty in breathing, the patient may require mechanical respirator and generally, this condition is affecting the age group of 60 years or more. Few other cases like:

• There are some cases in which this virus had influenced the functioning of heart and liver resulting in failure and death.
• There are chances of some neurological disorders, abnormal lung functioning, persistent muscle weakness.
• There are chances of some secondary sepsis, spontaneous or iatrogenic barotrauma, and psychological problems at low levels in patient with SARS.