An overview

As per WHO, Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease which is caused by a SARS-associated coronavirus. The first case was identified in China in the month of February 2002 and spread to many other countries. WHO worked progressively in association with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and other health organisations in affected countries to provide them clinical help and assistance. SARS is a virus that can spread through air and via surfaces that an individual touches. 

As per a report by WHO, the people who were prone to this disease were usually aged between 25–70 years.There have been a few cases of mild symptoms in children as well. Its incubation period is around 2-7 days but may end up being 10 days also. 

What are the causes of SARS?

SARS is caused by a virus that replicates itself within the body. The infected cells multiply itself within the body disturbing the entire body metabolism. A tiny droplet of saliva released by someone nearby suffering from cough and cold can become the cause of SARS. People might get prone to this virus by means of touch while shaking hands, having food and might transfer it to another person while living with them. 

What are the symptoms of SARS?

Person prone to this disease will suffer from high fever, chills, rashes and body pain. This can also lead to mild chest pain and breathing problems. If the case turns serious then it can lead to severe coughs, heart failure and diarrhea. Also if in case the frequency of cough increases it makes the breathing process difficult then you might have to take ventilator support. 

What kind of treatment/precautions should be taken?

First and the foremost thing is that one should distance themselves from the rest of the family and friends to avoid it from spreading. Secondly, if it is the initial stage you can be cured in your home but if the problem has existed for long like symptoms of  high fever, chest pain and any respiratory issues,  you must immediately rush to the doctor for treatment. 

If any of the above symptoms are visible on your body, you can book an appointment with Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu who is a professional pulmonologist and best chest doctor with hands-on experience for more than 10 years providing treatment for over 20 plus diseases. Chest radiography is a must during the treatment for the same, so why not get treated by the best chest specialist in Delhi and Gurugram. He will not only provide you good treatment but also give you great advice regarding the do’s and don’t during the treatment.

Precautions to be taken are as follows:

1. Wash your hands properly 
2. Wear surgical masks and use handkerchiefs while sneezing 
3. Use disinfectants to clean the surface and maintain proper hygiene
4. Avoid coming in contact with someone and remain at home until very urgent  

What are the similarities between coronavirus and SARS ?

Coronavirus isn’t the first severely transmissible disease; instead the first deadly disease that emerged in the 21st century was SARS. The above details clearly imply that it is much similar to the coronavirus outbreak that happened last year in March. Infact SARS belongs to the coronavirus family.  

The current scenario implies that as we are globally connected to each other, the chances of disease spread also increases fourfold times. People have still not been able to cope up with the personal loss that happened in the pandemic whether emotionally , mentally or financially.