- What
are the Symptoms of SARS?
The primary symptoms
for the virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) are high fever (greater than 38 C or 100.4 F), in
addition to a dry cough, shortness of breath, or
difficulties breathing.Other possible symptoms include
headache, muscular stiffness, loss of appetite, malaise,
confusion, rash and diarrhea.
Yes SARS is contagious
by close contact.
Close contact means having cared for, having lived
with, or having had direct contact with respiratory
secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS.The
length of time between exposure and symptoms showing are
estimated to range from two to seven days.
The best treatment is
still not clear.
Standard antiviral drugs and antibiotics do not appear
to be effective.
- What
can be done to prevent SARS?
The illness can be
severe but apart from the close contact with an infected
patient is not thought to be highly contagious when
simple protective precautions are taken.
Health experts say it
is important to maintain good personal hygiene and good
ventilation in home and working environments
Washing hands with liquid soap and using disposable
towels is recommended.
Keeping windows open
and putting on facemasks can also help prevent
transmission of the infection.
U.S. and Canadian
health officials also say travelers should consider
postponing non-essential trips to areas at risk such as
Hanoi, Vietnam; Hong Kong or Guangdong province in
southern China; and Singapore.
- How
many cases have been reported worldwide?
More than 2,500 cases
of SARS have been reported so far.
|
