SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)
Symptoms
SARS usually starts with flu-like signs:
After a week, symptoms include:
- Dry cough
- Fever of 100.5 For higher
- Shortness of breath
Causes
However, coronaviruses can cause serious illness in animals, so researchers thought the SARS virus might have spread from animals to people. It now appears likely that the virus developed into a new strain by combining with one or more animal viruses.
How does SARS spread?
SARS is one of many respiratory illnesses that spread via airborne droplets induced by an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or talk. Most experts agree that close personal contact, such as providing care for a person with SARS, is the primary way SARS spreads. Infected objects like doorknobs, phone handsets, and elevator buttons may also apply the virus.
Prevention
Researchers are working on several different types of vaccines for treating SARS.
To prevent SARS, follow these safety recommendations:
- Sanitize your hands. Use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol, or cleanse the hands often with soap and warm water
- Use reusable gloves. Wear disposable gloves if you come in contact with the person’s bodily fluids or feces. Throw the gloves immediately after use
- Put on a surgical mask. Cover up your mouth and nose with a surgical mask if you’re in the same room as someone with SARS. Additionally, wearing eyewear may provide some protection
- Sanitize the surfaces. Use a household disinfectant to clean surfaces that may have come into contact with vomit, stool, saliva, or sweat. When cleaning, put on disposable gloves and discard them afterward
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022