What
is SARS?
SARS is a Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome. It is a respiratory illness. It has been reported in Asia, North America, and
Europe. 358 cases have been reported within the US.
What
is the Cause of SARS?
The cause of SARS is a corona virus. A corona virus is a group of viruses that have a
halo or crown like appearance when viewed under a microscope.
What
are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of SARS are: high fevers,
headaches, chills, discomfort, and body aches. You
might get a dry cough where not enough oxygen gets to the blood and will have to use
mechanical ventilation.
How
is SARS spread?
SARS is spread by close person-to-person
contact. Close person-to-person contact
includes any physical contact such as: embracing, kissing, close conversations within a 3
foot range, sharing eating / drinking utensils, and physical examination.
Who
is at risk for SARS?
People that are at risk of getting SARS are
people through foreign travel to countries with community transmission of SARS.
Travel
Precautions
Some travel precautions you should take
include:
o Postponing trips until further notice
o Keeping good hand hygiene
o Avoid large numbers of people
Preventions
You can prevent from getting SARS by
keeping good hand hygiene, not sharing eating / drinking utensils, and respiratory
secretions.
Treatment
If you have SARS, here are some treatments you can take. Treatments include: Allergy Shots, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops, or any treatment for serious community acquired atypical pneumonia.
Works Cited
SARS Information. 2003. Center for Disease Control. May 28, 2003. <http://health.yahoo.com/health.centers/allergy/711.html>.