Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known by the acronym SRAG or SARS, is a type of severe pneumonia that has appeared in Asia and is easily transmitted from person to person, causing symptoms such as fever, headache and general discomfort.
This disease can be caused by the corona virus (Sars-CoV) or H1N1 influenza, and should be treated quickly with medical help, as it can progress rapidly to severe respiratory failure, which can lead to death.
See what symptoms may indicate other types of pneumonia
SarS symptoms are similar to those of common influenza, and at first appear to have a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, headache, body pain and general discomfort. But after about 5 days, other symptoms appear, such as:
As this is a disease that gets worse very quickly, about 10 days after the first signs, symptoms of severe shortness of breathing difficulty may occur and, as a result, many people may need to stay in the hospital or intensive care to be helped by a respiratory system.
There is not yet a specific examination to identify SARS and therefore the diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms presented and the history of the patient who has or has not been in contact with other sick people.
In addition, your doctor may order diagnostic tests such as lung x-rays and CT scans to assess lung health.
SARS is transmitted in the same way as common influenza, through contact with the saliva of other sick people, especially during the period when symptoms appear.
Thus, to avoid contracting the disease, it is necessary to have hygienic attitudes such as:
In addition, SARS is also transmitted through kisses and therefore close contact with other sick people should be avoided, especially if there is a saliva exchange.
Treatment of SARS depends on the severity of your symptoms. Therefore, if they are mild, the person can stay at home, maintaining rest, a balanced diet and drinking water to strengthen their body and fight the disease virus and avoid contact with people who are not sick or who have not received the flu vaccine. H1N1.
In addition, analgesic and antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or dipirone, may be used to relieve discomfort and facilitate recovery, and the use of antivirals, such as Tamiflu, to reduce viral load and try to control infection.
In the most severe cases, where breathing is severely affected, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital to make the drugs directly in the vein and receive help from the machines to breathe better.
Also discover some home remedies to relieve symptoms during recovery.