What Is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a reasonably new illness that first showed up within the last twenty years. It’s a highly contagious viral illness that can take a toll on your body and, most of all, your respiratory system.

Since there is no vaccine available for SARS, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself and others from it. It’s also important to be educated on what the causes are, as well as the signs and symptoms.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at SARS and what can be done. 

Defining Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

According to Mayo Clinic, “SARS is caused by a strain of coronavirus, the same family of viruses that causes the common cold. Previously, these viruses had never been particularly dangerous to humans.” When we hear the word “coronavirus,” it’s likely that you’ve automatically associated the work with COVID-19; however, coronavirus is simply a family of viruses that have different strains that lead to certain illnesses like the common cold, COVID-19, and SARS. 

SARS cases are not common anymore since the epidemic, which started in China due to animal source that was then transferred to a human, was quickly contained to prevent further spreading. In fact, there have been no reports of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome since 2004. The common symptoms for SARS are as follows: 

  • Fever higher than 100.4° F
  • Headache
  • Body aches and chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Pneumonia 
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen in the blood)

Prevention and Treatment for SARS

Since SARS is a virus that does not currently have a vaccine available, the best way to treat it is by preventing it. The virus is spread through droplets in the air that appear when a person coughs, sneezes, and talks, so it’s essential to take proper precautions. Here are the best ways to prevent any future spread of the illness, according to the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins Medicine

  • Prompt detection 
  • Quarantine for up to 10 days for those who carry the virus and those who have been exposed
  • Proper and regular disinfection of gathering areas
  • Washing hands and sanitizing regularly
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Wearing a face covering that covers both the mouth and nose

Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Diseases

While Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is not presently a threat to society, it’s important to note that respiratory diseases such as SARS, COVID-19, and Pneumonia can all take a toll on your lungs, even after you’ve recovered. And while oxygen therapy is not a cure for these diseases, it can aid in your recovery process as you start to get back to your day-to-day life. If you are experiencing lingering symptoms from any respiratory illness, contact your doctor to see if oxygen therapy can help in your journey to a full recovery.

O2 Assist Oxygen Concentrators for Recovery

Even though it’s highly unlikely that you’ll contract Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, you’ll be happy to know that O2 Assist has dozens of oxygen concentrator options available for those who are experiencing symptoms of any respiratory ailment. By purchasing an O2 concentrator, under the advice of your healthcare professional, you can participate in oxygen therapy both at home and on the go using portable or stationary concentrators. If you’re interested in oxygen therapy, talk to your doctor to learn more. And when you’re ready for an O2 concentrator, O2 Assist is here to help. Browse and shop our portable and at-home oxygen concentrators today!