Severe acute respiratory syndrome (patient information)
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What is Severe acute respiratory syndrome?
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia, caused by a virus isolated in 2003. Infection with the SARS virus results in acute respiratory distress (severe breathing difficulty) and sometimes death. It is a dramatic example of how quickly world travel can spread a disease. It is also an example of how quickly a networked health system can respond to an emerging threat.
What are the symptoms of Severe acute respiratory syndrome?
The hallmark symptoms are fever greater than 100.4 degrees F (38.0 degrees C) and cough, difficulty breathing, or other respiratory symptoms. Symptoms in the order of how commonly they appeared have included:
Less common symptoms include (also in order):
- Dizziness
- Productive cough (sputum)
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
What causes Severe acute respiratory syndrome?
Who is at risk for Severe acute respiratory syndrome?
How do I know I have Severe acute respiratory syndrome?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Severe acute respiratory syndrome
Directions to Hospitals Treating Severe acute respiratory syndrome