SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Overview

SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Severe cases present with serious pneumonia and shortness of breath, sudden high fever and a dry cough. Measures to counter a new epidemic include social distancing and consistent hand hygiene to slow down transmission.

Symptoms

Incubation period: 2-10 days
Symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu (mild cases)

• Fever: sudden onset, rising fast, > 38°C
• Dry cough
• Breathlessness
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Sore throat, hoarseness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea

Complications (severe cases)

• Severe pneumonia with difficulty breathing
• Pulmonary dysfunction, leading to lung failure (cause of death)

Causes and treatment

Cause

• Pathogen
  • SARS-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV)
  • First identified during SARS pandemic of 2002/2003
  • Related to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
• Infection
  • Droplets (short distance up to 1 metre, through sneezing, talking, coughing)
  • Smear and contact infection (surfaces, excretions, bodily fluids)
  • Air-borne infection (air conditioning)
  • Coronaviruses are found in various pets and wild animals in South-East Asia and can be transmitted to people (risk of an epidemic)

Risk factors for severe disease course

• Advancing age
• Immune deficiency (autoimmune disorders, HIV)
• Chronic pre-existing diseases (asthma, fibrosis, COPD)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• X-ray (lungs)
• Blood test
• Laboratory tests (search for pathogen)

Possible therapies

No way to treat the causes. Symptoms are treated.

• For severe cases, the following medication is tried
  • Antiviral medication (virostatics)
  • Cortisol
  • Antibiotics
• Supply of oxygen
• Artificial respiration (intensive care unit), if necessary
• Isolation, strictest hygiene measures

What can I do myself?

Should SARS occur again, the following precautionary measures apply:

• Follow instructions of the FOPH
• Consistent hand hygiene
• Regular disinfection of surfaces
• Avoid physical contact (handshakes, hugs)
• Avoid large gatherings of people
• Avoid risk areas
• Follow travel information and recommendations

Detailed information about hygiene measures: see novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

When to see a doctor?

• Shortness of breath
• Severe cough
• High fever (in particular for sudden onset and rapid rise)
• After contact with an infected person
• If necessary, only after phoning first

Further information

Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH (Bundesamt für Gesundheit, BAG)
www.bag.admin.ch

Synonyms

SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome