What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that have a corona (a halo) when they are viewed under a microscope.

Coronavirii are known to cause upper-respiratory illness in humans.

They are also known to cause gastro-intestinal diseases, respiratory disorders, and neurological disorders in animals.

What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an atypical pneumonia of unknown etiology.

What caused SARS outbreak in China?

Health professionals and Chinese authorities have still not been able to pin-point the exact cause of SARS outbreak. The investigation have primarily been centered around the events at the National Institute of Virology in Beijing where experiments using SARS coronavirus were being carried out.

What are the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?

The main symptoms of SARS are as follows:

• Fever (above 38°C),
• Headache,
• Muscle Stiffness/Muscular pain,
• Loss of appetite,
• Diarrhoea,
• Dry and persistent cough,
• Shortness of breath, and
• Chest radiographs indicative of pneumonia

Is SARS infection contagious? How does SARS Virus (SARS-CoV) spread?

Yes, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious respiratory disease. SARS spreads from one person to another when someone comes in close contact with an infected person. Inhaling of aerosolized secretion (nasal fluids, saliva, cough, etc.) droplets and coming in close contact (kissing, embracing, engaging in conversation while in close proximity, sharing utensils, physical examination, etc.) with an infected person results in transmission of SARS from one person to another. Health care workers, care givers, associates, and family members of infected persons are at greater risk of developing SARS.

How to prevent or contain transmission of SARS?

SARS patients should be placed in complete isolation. It is essential to maintain strict respiratory and mucusol barrier. Anyone coming in contact with SARS patients -especially health care personnel -must wear appropriate protective gear such as filter masks, eye-wear, head covers, gloves and aprons, etc.

What is the incubation period for SARS?

SARS incubation period is between 2-7 days.

Is there a treatment for SARS?

Currently there is only a limited treatment available for this highly contagious respiratory disease. Effectiveness of various antiviral drugs is being tested against SARS-CoV, but without much success. In the absense of a specific cure for this highly communicable respiratory disorder, SARS patients are currently being treated (with various antiviral drugs) in the same way patients suffering from atypical pneumonia are treated.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Outbreak, Diagnosis, and Treatment News, and our Lung Disease Articles for the latest Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Articles.

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