Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or
SARS is a mysterious disease that has sparked great fear. Classified as a type
of atypical pneumonia, which is cause by organisms that are difficult to
identify. Infection by these microorganisms could lead to serious, even
life-threatening consequences.
Two types of new viruses were found
in lung tissues from decease SARS patients. First type of virus is corona
virus, a virus that has a halo or crown-like appearance when seen under the
microscope. It causes mild to moderate respiratory illness in human. Second is
paramyxovirus, same virus family of measles virus.
SARS could be spread through direct
close contact with an infected person, droplet transmission from sneezing and
coughing, contact with an object contaminated by SARS. Compared to influenza,
SARS appears less contagious. It is quite likely that a SARS patient is most
infectious when he or she shows symptom, as fever or cough. Scientist has yet
to determine how long before or after the symptoms appear that, a SARS patient
can transmit the disease to others.
Presently, the diagnosis of SARS is
based on careful history taking and the symptoms of the patient. It initially
appears as high fever with temperature of 38°C
and above. This is associated with chills, headache, general feeling of
discomfort or body malaise, body aches and muscle stiffness, loss of appetite
and mild respiratory symptoms.
Being kept under quarantine is
necessary not only to determine if a person may have contracted the disease,
but also to prevent its spread. Suspected SARS cases are placed in isolation
units separate from other patients. Strict infection control measures are taken
in order to prevent the spread of the disease via patient’s visitors and health
care workers.
According to WHO, antibiotics do not
seem to be effective. Therapy using steroids and antiviral agents like
oseltamivir or ribavirin has been tried, although women have been advised of
the harmful effects of ribavirin on the fetus.
To prevent SARS, we should avoid
crowded places. Distance yourself from sick people and those who are sneezing
or coughing openly. Wash hands frequently to reduce risk of picking up the
virus. In addition, maintain healthy lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced diet,
exercise regularly, do not smoke, avoid stress and boost the immune system with
vitamins.
SARS
should not be a cause for worry, as long as protective and preventive measures
are strictly followed, the spread of the disease can be contained.
