Definition:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an infectious respiratory condition in humans. It was reported to have an initial outbreak that has turned out to be pandemic during November 2002 to July 2003. But it was only on February 2003 when SARS reached public spotlight.
Diagnosis:
A probable case of SARS have symptoms of a high fever and history of close contact with a person diagnosed with SARS within the last 10 days or travel to any area that have reported local transmission of SARS. ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, Immunofluorescence assay and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test are three possible diagnostic tests that have emerged but are not fully established to be completely reliable.
Treatment:
Supportive treatment with antipyretics, supplemental oxygen and ventilator support depending on the needs of the infected patient is often the first approach in managing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. There are ongoing researches aimed at testing all known antiviral treatments that can help cure SARS.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome usually appear within two to ten days subsequent to exposure. Common initial symptoms may be presented as:
• Flu-like symptoms including the following:
i) Fever
ii) Muscle pain
iii) Fatigue
iv) Cough
v) Sore throat
vi) Chills or shivering
vii) Headache
• Lower respiratory symptoms that may appear after about 3-7 days after exposure
i) Breathing difficulty
ii) Shortness of breath
iii) Dry non-productive cough
iv) Pneumonia
Causes:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus. Mode of transmission can be direct contact with an infected person or contact with infectious body secretions.
:
severeacuterespiratorysyndrome
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