SARS
Causes
The SARS virus is spread by close person-to-person contact.
Transmission may occur by droplets produced when an infected
person sneezes or coughs. Droplet spread can occur when airborne
droplets, produced by a cough or sneeze, are deposited on the
mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of a person up to 3
feet away. The virus can also be spread when a person touches a
surface contaminated with the droplets. Oral-fecal transmission of
SARS may also occur. Unprotected health care workers were at
significant risk of acquiring the infection during the outbreak.
Exams and Tests
Initial tests for persons thought to have SARS include the
following:
Chest x-ray films
Pulse oximetry (a test in
which a probe connected to a computer is placed on the finger or
ear to measure oxygen saturation in the blood)
Blood cultures
Sputum (fluid from the
respiratory tract) Gram stain and culture
Testing for viral agents such
as influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus
Urinary antigen testing for
Legionella and pneumococcal species (2 causes of bacterial
pneumonia)
Self-Care at Home
Follow the guidelines described in Prevention to limit the spread
and transmission of SARS infection.
Medical Treatment
Currently, no specific treatment exists for SARS, although various
treatments have been tried with unclear success.
Persons with confirmed or suspected SARS should be isolated and
undergo aggressive treatment in a hospital. Mechanical ventilation
(a device that assists in a person's breathing) and critical care
may be necessary.
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