Below you will find more information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome from Medigest. If you believe that you are suffering from any of the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome it is important that you obtain an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure that you obtain the correct medication or treatment for your condition. There are medical conditions that carry similar symptoms associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and therefore the information provided by Medigest is offered as a guideline only and should never be used in preference to seeking professional medical advice. The information relating to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome comes from a third party source and Medigest will not be held liable for any inaccuracies relating to the information shown.
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.
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.
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: ò Flu-like symptoms including the following: i) Fever ii) Muscle pain iii) Fatigue iv) Cough v) Sore throat vi) Chills or shivering vii) Headache ò 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
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.Discuss Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in our forums
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