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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

(SARS)

Definition

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is also known as SARS. It is a viral infection. SARS can cause severe respiratory distress. This is a potentially serious condition. It requires care from your doctor. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor right away.
The Respiratory System
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Causes

SARS is caused by a type of virus called a coronavirus. The virus is spread from droplets in the air. The droplets come from spray when a sick person sneezes or coughs. The virus can also be picked up from objects that an ill person has touched.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of developing SARS:
  • Gene variation in the immune system—This gene variation may be more common in people in Southeast Asia. The variation makes people more susceptible to developing SARS.
  • Recent travel to locations in Asia where SARS outbreaks have been reported
  • Close contact with someone who has SARS
  • Healthcare workers who care for patients with SARS

Symptoms

If you experience any of these, do not assume it is due to SARS. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. See your doctor if you experience any one of them:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body aches and pains
  • Nasal congestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pneumonia

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
  • Blood tests—can reveal the presence of immune cells made by your body to fight the SARS virus
  • Tests on samples of blood, sputum, stool—can reveal the presence of the virus that causes SARS

Treatment

There are currently no medicines to cure SARS. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. Researchers are looking for a way to shorten the course and severity of the infection with:
  • Antiviral drugs
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immune-modulating drugs
The symptoms of SARS may be treated with oxygen therapy. If you are having difficulty breathing, you may be given oxygen through a tube or mask. More severe problems may require a machine to help you breathe.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting SARS, take the following steps:
  • Practice proper hand washing .
  • Regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Disinfect toilets, sinks, or other objects or surfaces used by anyone with SARS.
  • Do not share utensils, glasses, towels, or linen with anyone with SARS.
  • If you are a healthcare worker, use gloves, gown, and use eye protection when caring for patients with SARS.

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/

World Health Organization http://www.who.int/en/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index%5Fe.html/

Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

References

Goldman L, et al. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2004.

Mandell G, et al. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone, Inc.; 2005.

Mason RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 4th ed. London: Elsevier; 2005.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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