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Turn on any news channel and you are likely to catch a report on SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). SARS is a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to the flu that in some instances has been fatal. The majority of SARS cases have been reported in China, but cases have been reported throughout Asia as well as in Europe and North America.
It can take 2-10 days to develop symptoms following exposure to the SARS virus. In general, SARS is associated with a fever greater than 100.4°F. Other symptoms may include chills, headache, body aches, or generalized discomfort. After 2-7 days, patients may develop a dry cough or difficulty breathing. Recommended treatment at this time is the same as for patients with serious community-acquired pneumonia of unknown origin. This involves treatment of symptoms but there is no antibiotic or cure.
There is much left to learn about SARS. It appears to be spread by close person-to-person contact. Most cases of SARS have involved people who live with or care for SARS patients or someone who had direct contact with infectious material from a SARS patient. It is thought that infectious droplets may be able to survive on surfaces for several hours. This may happen if an infected patient coughs or sneezes droplets onto nearby surfaces or other people. It is possible one could become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their eye(s), nose, or mouth. It is also possible that SARS may be able to spread through the air or in other ways that are not currently known.
Those at greatest risk of SARS appear to be those with close contact with a SARS patient. Currently, there is no indication of community spread in the United States, although the Cen
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ters for Disease Control (CDC) continues to monitor the situation closely. Cases in the United States have occurred primarily in those who have traveled to affected areas. To minimize the risk of SARS spreading in the US, people who are suspected of having SARS are being isolated. Travelers arriving from affected areas of the world are being provided with information about SARS and instructions on what to do if they become ill. SARS patients and their contacts are being closely monitored to help prevent spread in the community.
If you have traveled to an area known to be affected or have been in close contact with someone who may have SARS, you should contact your health care provider and follow the CDCs recommendations.
If you think you (or a family member) have SARS, you should:
Consult your health care provider as soon as possible
Cover your mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing
If you have a surgical mask wear it when in close contact with other people. The mask can reduce the number of droplets coughed into the air.
While SARS is worrisome, it has not spread widely in the US. Frequent handwashing, common sense, and good hygiene practices may be the best tools to protect yourself and to prevent further spread. More information can be found at www.webmd.com or www.cdc.gov.
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