SARS

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Respiratory conditions

SARS – Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome

SARS is a viral respiratory illness. It began in Asia in February 2003 and spread to other countries.

Signs & Symptoms

• Fever higher than 100.4ºF.

• Headache. The body aches all over. Diarrhea may occur.

• Dry cough after 2 to 7 days.

• A hard time breathing and/or shortness of breath. Most persons develop pneumonia.

Causes

SARS is thought to be caused by a certain virus. It is spread by close contact with someone who has the virus. Most likely, this is through coughs and sneezes or from touching objects that have infectious droplets on them.

Treatment

Medical treatment is needed for SARS. Persons suspected of having SARS should be quarantined in a hospital.

Questions to Ask

Question

Do you have a fever, higher than 100.4ºF, a dry cough, a hard time breathing, and/or shortness of breath and have you been in close contact with someone who has SARS, might have SARS, or who travelled to a SARS site within the last 10 days?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Before you travel, check the CDCs Travelers’ Health Web site at www.cdc.gov/travel for updates on SARS.

• If you will be in close contact with a person infected with SARS, follow infection control measures. Wash your hands often or use alcohol-based hand rubs. If you can, wear a surgical mask. Don’t share eating utensils, towels, etc. For a more complete list of guidelines, access www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic-closecontacts.htm.