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SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) is a coronavirus.
The CDC believes this virus is responsible for the global
epidemic. It seems that over the last few years, more and
more viruses are popping up like wildflowers across the world,
or at least we are being made aware of them. From the West
Nile virus to Chronic Wasting Disease, now to SARS, there
is some concern over these viruses. There is also a certain
degree of panic that is occurring due to not only the reality
of the viruses, but also due to the media taking some of these
and blowing them out of proportion. Survive Outdoors will
try to address these issues in the best way possible.
Survive Outdoors also recommends www.cdc.gov for further
detailed information of SARS and more recent updates. According
to the CDC, clinical criteria are as follows:
There are three different phases of SARS. The first phase
is an asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness very similar
to the common cold. The second phase is the a moderate respiratory
illness which is characterized by a temperature of greater
than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and one or more clinical findings
such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
The third phase, severe respiratory phase, is a temperature
of greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, one or more clinical
findings such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing,
an x-ray which showed evidence of pneumonia, or on autopsy,
the pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome is without
any identifiable cause. There are laboratory tests that can
be drawn, and it is basically an antibody that is drawn to
test for SARS-CoV. These antibodies would be found greater
than 21 days after the illness. There are more detailed labs
that are drawn; however for the Survive Outdoors audience,
we refer you to the www.cdc.gov website for more specific
labs.
The incubation for SARS is approximately 2-7 days from exposure.
This means that from the time of exposure to the time that
the affected individual would display symptoms is approximately
2-7 days. This can be as long as 10 days. It is very uncommon
for there to be a rash or any neurological symptoms, unlike
West Nile virus, where one does see a rash. After about 3-7
days, a very dry, nonproductive cough and difficulty breathing
may occur, somewhat unlike a bacterial pneumonia where there
can be a productive cough. On chest radiographs, it would
not be uncommon to see patchy infiltrates, and for the general
public, this is of very little use. However for the healthcare
provider, these patchy infiltrates would be beneficial in
making the diagnosis.
Due to SARS being a virus, antibiotics are not helpful, although
they may be given because there may be a bacterial pneumonia
at that time. In terms of treatment, there is no treatment
for SARS. Supportive treatment is helpful. Survive Outdoors
has been inundated with many questions such as wearing masks
on airplanes, gowns, gloves, etc. At this time, the CDC is
not recommending wearing masks unless you are going to an
endemic area. If you are traveling out of state, Survive Outdoors
strongly advises that you check www.cdc.gov for areas that
are at this time endemic with SARS.
Hand hygiene is essentially, and washing hands frequently
is important. If you are working with an individual, or suspect
an individual of having SARS, eye protection and masks are
highly recommended. |
