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After only being identified for
two months, it has already infected over 2,500 individuals,
killed at least 100 (including the doctor who identified it),
and spread across 29 states in the US.
WHAT
IS SARS?
SARS is a respiratory illness
that begins with symptoms of a common cold. There may be
fevers up to 100.4 (38.0 C) combined with other symptoms such
as chills, headache, and overall body ache. Usually within 2-7
days, a non-productive cough that can lead to shortness of
breath and chest pain begin to take over. In approximately
10-20% of cases, patients will be hospitalized in the
intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation and
cardiopulmonary support.
WHAT
IS THE CAUSE OF SARS?
As with many other severe
respiratory diseases, including influenza, most experts
believe that a highly lethal virus belonging to the corona
virus family (a virus with a trademark crown, or halo). This
has yet to be confirmed, and until a definitive causal agent
is isolated, SARS is defined not by an actual agent
responsible as influenza is, but by the constellation and
sequence of its progression and symptoms.
TOP
HOW
DO YOU GET SARS?
The transmission of SARS is
just the same as influenza or community acquired
pneumonia—through close contact by either touch or even
sharing the same air.
WHEN
IS SARS INFECTIOUS TO ANOTHER PERON?
Current information suggests
that SARS is most contagious when symptoms are actually
present. However, as with most other viral or even bacterial
illnesses, transmission of germs can be silent, that is you
may get the agent responsible, but until your immune system
weakens to a point that the offending agent takes over,
recognition of the disease goes undetected.
TOP
WHO
IS AT RISK FOR SARS?
Cases of SARS continue to be
reported primarily among people who have either traveled to
Southeast Asia, or those who may have come into contact with
those infected. Individuals with compromised immune systems
such as young children, HIV patients with low viral load
counts, and the elderly are at highest risk. Unfortunately,
those who have been near vehicles that have carried ill
individuals, whether on planes, trains, or vessels may also
have had exposure to SARS.
WHAT
IS THE TREATMENT FOR SARS?
Because there is not yet a
definitive test or causing agent identified as the culprit,
the treatment for SARS is the same for any complicated
respiratory illness: antibiotics and respiratory support.
Currently the CDC is working with the WHO (World Health
Organization) to find antibodies that can detect the strange
virus that is believed responsible, however there is nothing
definitive yet.
HOW TO
PROTECT YOURSELF
| A
Physician's thoughts
For
further updates on SARS, please visit:
www.CDC.gov &
THE
World Health Organization
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