SARS

(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome )

GROUP-2
What is SARS?
is a life-threatening viral respiratory illness caused by a
coronavirus known as SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
SARS is associated with a flu-likesyndrome, which may progress
into pneumonia, respiratory failure, and sometimes death.
SARS is an infectious disease of the respiratory system
characterized by atypical inflammation of the lungs
(pneumonia).
Continuation
SARS appears to be primarily spread from person-to-person through
droplet transmission when in direct close contact with a person with
SARS.
Potential ways in which SARS can be spread include touching the skin
of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious
droplets and then touching your eye(s), nose, or mouth.
Mode of Transmission:

1. The primary mode of transmission appears to be direct mucous membrane (eye,

nose, and mouth)
2. Contact with infectious respiratory droplets and/or through exposure to fomites.
3. Transmission through casual and social contacts has occasionally occurred as a
result of intense exposure to a case of SARS (in work place, in vehicles) or in high
risk transmission settings, such as health care settings, and in household settings.
4. Contamination of inanimate materials or objects by infectious respiratory
secretions or body fluids (saliva, tears, urine, and stool) which have been found to
contain the virus.
Signs and Symptoms
The first symptoms begin 2-7 days after exposure and may
include the following:
Fever (temperature of more than 100.4F)
Headache
Fatigue (tiredness)
Muscle aches and pain
Malaise (a feeling of general discomfort)
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
 Signs and Symptoms
Respiratory symptoms develop 3 or more days after exposure.
Respiratory symptoms include the following:

Dry cough
Shortness of breath
Runny nose and sore throat (uncommon)
 Diagnostic Test
Exams and TestsInitial tests for persons thought to have SARS include the following:
Chest x-ray films
Pulse oximetry (a test in which a probe connected to a computer is placed on the finger or
ear to measure oxygen saturation in the blood)
Blood cultures
Sputum (fluid from the respiratory tract) Gram stain and culture
Testing for viral agents such as influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus
Urinary antigen testing for Legionella and pneumococcal species (2 causes of bacterial
pneumonia)
 Treatment:

No specific treatment recommendations can be made at this time.

Empiric therapy should include coverage for organisms associated
with any community-acquired pneumonia of unclear etiology,
including agents with activity against both typical and atypical
respiratory pathogens. Treatment choices may be influenced by
severity of the illness. Consultation is recommended.
 Preventive Measures:

1. Consult a doctor promptly if there are respiratory symptoms such as fever, malaise, chills, headache,
joint pain, dizziness, rigors, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Early treatment is the KEY.
2. Build up good body immunity. This means taking proper diet, having regular exercise and adequate
rest, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking.
3. Maintain good personal hygiene. Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
4. Wear mask if you develop runny nose, sore throat and cough.
5. Wear protective mask in public areas, classrooms, computer rooms, public transports, and communal
areas in hostels.
6. Wash hands properly and keep them clean. Use liquid soap for hand washing and disposable towels
for drying hands.
Nursing Intervention

Independent:
Monitor temperature.
Monitor lung sounds and cough.
Monitor oxygen saturation.
Maintain respiratory isolation.
Continuation
Teach the patient to wash hands after coughing.
Use appropriate therapy for elevated temperature.
Encourage the patient to cough unless the cough is
nonproductive.
For patients with reduced energy, pace activities.
Provide a high protein, high calorie, increased fluid diet in
small frequent servings.
 Continuation
Dependent:
Administer anitiviral and antiretroviral medications as ordered:
such as lopinavir, ritonavir, and ribavirin.
Collaborative:
Consult a respiratory therapist for chest physiotherapy and
nebulizer treatments, as ordered.
Collect and monitor diagnostic results.
 Pathophysiology

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