Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which emerged in 2003 and led to over 8,000 infections and 774 deaths worldwide before being contained in 2004. The virus exhibits an incubation period of 2 to 7 days, and transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, skin contact, and contaminated surfaces, with symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Prevention measures emphasize hygiene practices, use of protective gear, and proper cleaning of contaminated surfaces.

1. MR. Naveen Pareek
Professor( Community Health Nursing)
Ramsnehi College Of Nursing
Bhilwara
S.A.R.S.
(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

2. Introduction:-
SARS is an infectious respiratory illness caused
by a coronavirus. that first appeared in 2003 and
spread rapidly to more than two dozen countries
across the world, infecting over 8,000 people and
killing 774 before it could be contained in 2004.
SARS is caused by a coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that
exists in bats and palm civets in Southern China.

3. What causes SARS?:-
A virus known as SARS-associated coronavirus
(SARS-CoV) causes the illness. Coronaviruses
commonly cause mild to moderate upper-
respiratory illness in humans, but can cause
respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver, and neurologic
diseases in animals.

4. INCUBATION PERIOD OF VIRUS:-
The time between getting infected and the start of
symptoms is about two to seven days but
occasionally has been up to 14 days.

5. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SARS:-
*Headache
*Overall feeling of discomfort
*Body aches and chills
*Sore throat
*Cough
*Pneumonia
*Difficulty breathing
*Shortness of breath
*Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen in the blood)
*Diarrhea (for 10 to 20 percent of patients)

6. Mode of transmission:-
*By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or
sneezes).
*By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).
*By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).
*By touching a contaminated surface (blanket
or doorknob).

7. Diagnosis:-
SARS may be suspected in a patient who has:
*Any of the symptoms, including a fever of 38 °C
(100 °F) or higher, and
*Either a history of:
*Contact (sexual or casual) with someone with a
diagnosis of SARS within the last 10 days or
*Travel to any of the regions identified by the WHO
as areas with recent local transmission of SARS.
*chest X-ray must be positive for atypical
pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome.

8. Treatment:-
*supportive with Antipyretics,
*supplemental oxygen and Mechanical
ventilation as needed.
* Antiviral medications are used as well as high
doses of Steroids to reduce swelling in the
lungs.

9. Prevention:-
*Wash your hands:- Clean your hands frequently with soap and
hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least
60% alcohol.
*Wear disposable gloves:- If you have contact with the person's
body fluids or feces, wear disposable gloves. Throw the gloves
away immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
*Wear a surgical mask:- When you're in the same room as a
person with SARS, cover your mouth and nose with a surgical
mask. Wearing eyeglasses also may offer some protection.
*Wash personal items:- Use soap and hot water to wash the
utensils, towels, bedding and clothing of someone with SARS.
*Disinfect surfaces:- Use a household disinfectant to clean any
surfaces that may have been contaminated with sweat, saliva,
mucus, vomit, stool or urine. Wear disposable gloves while you
clean and throw the gloves away when you're done.