SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORTY SYNDROME

Mamta*, Bharat Parashar and Sunita Dhiman

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of viral pneumonia caused by the SARS coronavirus. The virus that causes SARS was first identified in 2003. The World Health Organization has designated SARS a global health threat. In 2003, an epidemic killed approximately 774 people worldwide before it was successfully contained. No new cases of SARS have been reported since 2004. Currently, no definitive medication protocol specific to SARS has been developed, although various treatment regimens have been tried without proven success. The CDC recommends that patients suspected of or confirmed as having SARS receive the same treatment that would be administered if they had any serious, community-acquired pneumonia. Isolate confirmed or suspected patients and provide aggressive treatment in a hospital setting. Mechanical ventilation and critical care treatment may be necessary during the illness. No benefit has been shown with prone ventilation. An infectious disease specialist, a pulmonary specialist, and/or a critical care specialist should direct the medical care team.

Keywords: Respiration, Virus, Cough, Throat.