UNDERSTANDING SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) - liveagain

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UNDERSTANDING SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS)
  1. What is severe acute respiratory syndrome?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an infectious disease that first emerged in November 2002 in Guangdong, China, and rapidly spread to Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, and other parts of the world within a few months. It occurs when the SARS-coronavirus invades the human respiratory system. It is classified as a Category 1 infectious disease under South Korean law.

  

  1. Cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome

The causative agent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is the SARS-coronavirus. The exact transmission route has not yet been precisely identified, but it is believed to occur through respiratory droplets. SARS spreads through droplets expelled from the respiratory tract when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

  

  1. Symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has an incubation period of about 2 to 10 days, after which a sudden high fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher occurs, followed by cough, shortness of breath, discomfort, muscle pain, headache, chills, and so on. Fever is the most common symptom, although some individuals may not present with fever initially. Ninety percent of infected individuals recover easily within a week, but for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, the disease can progress severely.

During the second week after onset, it is not unusual for upper respiratory symptoms such as runny nose or sore throat to appear. Severe patients may experience rapid respiratory failure, and about 10% of patients may require special care due to oxygen deficiency. Many patients also exhibit watery diarrhea without blood or mucus. Transmission primarily occurs during the second week of the incubation period.

  

  1. Diagnosis and treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome

Patients need to undergo basic tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays, sputum tests, and stool tests. To check for antibodies against SARS-coronavirus, enzyme immunoassays can be performed. However, it may take until the 21st day after symptoms appear to confirm whether the patient tests positive.

There is no specific treatment for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS); treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms such as shortness of breath and oxygen deficiency.

  1. Monitor and take note of this syndrome

Approximately 80% to 90% of patients improve within 6 to 7 days after the onset of symptoms. About 10% of patients experience worsening symptoms. Acute respiratory distress syndrome can progress to the point where patients require mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate for this syndrome is around 14% to 15%.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has not yet been prevented by a vaccine. It is only recommended to wash hands thoroughly to prevent infection from direct contact. Since 2008, there have been no areas classified as high-risk for SARS infection or travel-restricted areas globally. However, if areas at risk of infection are reported, it is advisable to limit visits and travel to those locations.

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