1. Don’t panic.

It is important to keep into perspective that anything highly reported in the media draws enormously disproportionate attention to itself. The number of individuals who die from influenza and pneumonia far outweighs the number of people who have SARS. It is more important to keep an objective account of your symptoms than to jump on the panic and paranoia bandwagon.

2.      If you do have a fever of over 100.4 F (or 38 C), and develop a  cough or difficulty breathing, immediately consult your health care provider.

3.Keep note of any exposure you may have had to recent   travelers. This information is vital to health care practioners who can communicate this information to the CDC.

4.      If you have SARS, or are in the company of one who may have it, be sure to follow universal precautions to prevent transmission. These include:

·        Limit interactions outside the home for 10 days

·        Frequent hand washing and use of alcohol hand cleansers

·        Cover your mouth before sneezing or coughing to prevent oral transmission

·        Wearing disposable gloves for any contact with body fluids, including saliva, phlegm, etc

·        Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or bedding

·        Laundering with hot water and soap

5.      Last but not least, optimizing your health with proper nutrition, stress management, physician-approved vitamin and antioxidant supplementation, and avoidance of smoking and proper weight management are all vital to optimizing your immune functioning.

For more information: www.CDC.gov 
 

WHAT IS SARS? | A Physician's thoughts