What is SARS?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS is a viral infection. It is believed that it is caused by a new mutation of the corona virus. The corona virus family has the following characteristics: 1) it causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses such as the common colds; 2) it can survive in dry air for up to three hours; 3) it can be killed by exposure to ultra-violet light, so they will not survive under sunlight; and 4) they mutate easily, and each mutation triggers off an epidemic of respiratory disease. Corona refers to the protein molecules surrounding the virus, making it look like a crown.
SARS affects all age groups. The highest number of deaths has been among people with pre-existing chronic conditions. It causes atypical pneumonia in infected patients which causes the tissues surrounding the alveoli to swell, collapsing the alveoli, reducing the blood supply to the area, and obstructing the oxygen transfer.
The most frequent method of transmission of corona virus from person to person is through droplet transmission. The saliva droplets can carry the virus if the sick person coughs or sneezes to persons nearby. It is suspected that the SARS virus can be transmitted in this manner. It appears that SARS virus has low infectivity, meaning it requires a large dose to pass on to the recipient. So far, all recorded SARS cases have developed the disease only after having prolonged and close contact with a patient (e.g. family members, doctors and nurses). There are no recorded instances, where the disease was transmitted via casual contact. However, the SARS virus is very virulent—it causes damage to the patient’s organs.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of SARS include cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, high fever (39°C or higher), severe muscle and joint pain, difficulty in breathing (similar to asthma), continuous localized pain in the chest, which increases when taking a breath.
After the virus enters the body, it requires 3-10 days incubation period before the disease appears. According to current data, infected people do not pass on the virus to others during the incubation period. They become infectious only when the first symptoms appear: cough, sneezing - which spread droplets containing virus particles.
In the event that you experience these symptoms, you must take steps not to expose others to risk. It is your civic responsibility to wear a facemask when traveling to the hospital. You have to cooperate if health authorities require you to be quarantined. You also need to compile a list of persons you have had contact with for the last three days for quarantine purposes. Do not leave the isolation area or entertain visitors during the quarantine period.
How can we protect ourselves?
There is no known cure for SARS yet. Only supportive treatment is given to patients who acquired the virus. The very least that we can do to protect ourselves and our family is through prevention.
Let me share you these practical tips which I got from an officemate who attended a seminar/symposium about SARS:
1. One must increase his immune system to prevent it from hitting you. Here's what you have to take: 1000mg of vitamin E and 1000mg of vitamin C per day. 500mg of vitamin C for kids. (Please consult your doctor before taking any food supplement.)
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Eat lots of food that is orange in color – carrots, ripe mango, squash, papaya, etc.
4. Eat fruits with vitamin C or drink a glass of kalamansi juice without sugar a day.
5. Have ample rest and sleep.
6. Don’t perform strenuous exercises because this will bring down your immune system.
7. Refrain from drinking coffee, this too brings down the immune system.
8. Always wash your hands thoroughly.
9. Once you reach home, change clothes immediately or better yet take a shower.
10. Hospital and other clinical facilities must be visited only where necessary.
11. Follow specialized safety procedures in clinical facilities.
But the most important thing one should do is pray.
Reference:
Protective Measures for Prevention of SARS Infection
by Dr. Chandana Samaranayake
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