severe acute rrespiratory sSyndrome or SARS is a respiratory infection caused by SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Initial symptoms are similar to those of influenza, but can worsen quickly.
SARS was first discovered in Guangdong, China, in 2002 and was only identified in early 2003. The disease then spread rapidly to various countries.
SARS is an infectious disease. SARS transmission occurs when a person accidentally inhales the splash of saliva released by a SARS sufferer when sneezing or coughing.
According to a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003, there were 8,098 people worldwide who were affected by SARS and 774 of them died.
Although they are caused by the same group of viruses and also cause similar symptoms, SARS and COVID-19 are two different conditions. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of SARS, immediately consult a doctor to confirm the condition.Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Causes of SARS
SARS is caused by a type of coronavirus known as SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can infect the respiratory tract. When infected with this virus, usually there will be respiratory problems ranging from mild to severe.
Experts suspect that the virus that causes SARS came from bats and mongoose. This virus then mutates into a new virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans.
The SARS virus can infect humans in various ways, including:
- Accidentally inhale the saliva of a SARS sufferer who coughs or sneezes
- Touching the mouth, eyes, or nose with hands that have been exposed to splashes of saliva from a SARS sufferer
- Sharing the use of eating and drinking utensils with SARS sufferers
A person can also catch SARS when they touch items that are contaminated with the feces of a SARS patient. This transmission occurs when the patient does not wash his hands thoroughly after defecating.
SARS is more at risk for someone who is in close contact with an infected person, for example in an area experiencing a SARS outbreak, living in the same house with a SARS patient, or health workers caring for SARS sufferers.
Symptoms of SARS
Symptoms of SARS usually appear 2-10 days after a person is infected with the SARS-CoV virus, but it can also appear 14 days later. Symptoms of this viral infection can vary from person to person, but in general, symptoms will appear in the form of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Hard to breathe
- Decreased appetite
- Body tired easily
- Shivering
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Diarrhea
- Nauseous
- Throw up
The symptoms of SARS are similar to those of the flu, but can get worse quickly. In most cases, SARS will progress to pneumonia, which is inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. This condition is also prone to causing hypoxia (lack of oxygen in cells and body tissues).
When to go to the doctor
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you have recently returned from a SARS endemic area. SARS is a serious disease that can cause death if not treated immediately.
SARS patients who have been allowed to go home after being hospitalized need to have their temperature checked independently twice a day. If the body temperature rises to 38°C or more, the patient should immediately return to the hospital for examination.
SARS diagnosis
The doctor will ask the patient's symptoms, history of traveling to SARS endemic areas, and medical history.
To determine the patient's condition, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, including examination of vital signs (temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and pulse) as well as examination of the thorax or chest.
Furthermore, to determine whether the patient is infected with SARS or not, the doctor will perform the following supporting examinations:
1. Test blood
The doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood to be examined in the laboratory. Blood tests aim to determine the general number of blood cells, measure electrolyte levels, and measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood (blood gas analysis).
Blood tests are also carried out to detect the presence of antibodies in the body's response to the entry of the virus that causes SARS.
2. Scan
The doctor will perform a chest X-ray to see the condition of the patient's lungs. Through chest X-rays, doctors can detect signs of pneumonia or lung collapse (collapse). Doctors can also perform a CT scan to detect lung disorders.
3. Sputum culture
A sputum culture is performed by taking a sample of phlegm or mucus from the patient's nose or throat. In the laboratory, testing will be carried out to detect the presence of the virus that causes SARS in the sample.
4. RT-PCR test
Reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is performed to detect SARS virus RNA in samples of blood, sputum, urine, or feces/faeces of patients. This test was carried out twice to confirm the patient was infected with SARS.
SARS Treatment
Treatment of SARS aims to relieve symptoms and prevent the transmission of SARS to other people. Until now, research to find a SARS vaccine is still being carried out.
SARS sufferers must be hospitalized and isolated from other patients. During hospitalization, patients will be given drugs in the form of:
- Medicines to relieve symptoms, such as analgesic-antipyretic drugs, cough medicines, and medicines to relieve shortness of breath
- Antiviral drugs to stop the virus from growing, such as lopinavir, ritonavir, or remdesivir
- Antibiotic drugs to treat bacterial infections that occur when SARS sufferers have pneumonia
- High-dose corticosteroid medication to reduce swelling in the lungs
In addition to medication, the patient will also be given supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula (tube), oxygen mask, or an endotracheal tube (ETT).
Complications of SARS
SARS is a serious disease that must be treated quickly. If treated too late, SARS can cause dangerous complications, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Breathing failure
- heart failure
- Heart failure
- Kidney disorders
SARS Prevention
There are several ways that can be done to prevent SARS, namely:
- Do not travel to SARS endemic areas. If you are forced to travel to the area, take care of your health, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and follow the protocols or rules imposed in that country.
- Apply hand hygiene. Wash hands with running water and soap. If not, use hand sanitizer containing 60-95% alcohol.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
If you experience SARS-like symptoms, take the following steps to prevent the spread of SARS to others:
- Immediately to the hospital emergency room for examination and treatment.
- Avoid close contact with other people. Tell family or friends not to visit until 10 days after symptoms disappear.
- Wear a mask and gloves, especially when other people are around, to lower the risk of transmitting it to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with your elbows, then immediately wash your elbows and forearms with soap and water.
- Do not share the use of eating and drinking utensils with others, and wash clothes separately from other people's clothes.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after covering your mouth with your hands when sneezing or coughing and after using the toilet.