SARS
One of the deadliest viruses to ever exist!
What is it?
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome illness, this is caused by a coronaviruses called SARS- associated coronaviruses (SARS-CoV)
- Sars was first reported in Asia in February of 2003, over the next months the illness started to spread to other countries including, North America, South America, Europe and Asia
Causes/ transmissions:
- There are different kinds of coronaviruses, some of which cause the common cold
- The SARS coronaviruses was a new variant, this have may have transmitted humans from animals
Effects on personal health and on the health of others:
- High fever (over 38ºC and 100.4 ºF)
- Dry cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chills and shaking
- Muscle aches
- Cough that produce phlegm
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Treatment:
- People who think they have SARS should repeat to a health care provider immediately. If you are suspected of SARS you must be isolated in the hospital.
- Antibiotics to treat bacteria that causes pneumonia
- High dosage of steroids to reduce the swelling of the lungs
- Oxygen, breathing support, (ventilator)
Prevention:
- Avoid going to places that have SARS outbreak. If possible, avoid direct contact with a person who has SARS until ten days when fever, and other symptoms are gone.
- Wash your hands frequently or clean them with alcohol based hand sanitizers
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Refrain from sharing food, drinks, utensils