By Steven M. Jacobson


The Buffalo State College Weigel health center along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shed some light on the deadly SARS virus.

Severe Acute Repertory Syndrome (SARS) is a recently discovered deadly virus that has been reported in Asia, North America, and parts of Europe. Most who have been infected with this virus may not know they have it because many of the symptoms are similar to the flu.

“This is another non-specific viral illness,” says Dr. Stephan Hains from Buffalo State College’s Weigel Health Center.

According to the CDC these are the symptoms of SARS:

• The illness starts with a fever (temperatures greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]).
• The fever is sometimes associated with chills, headache, general feeling of discomfort and body aches.
• At 2 to 7 days, patients may develop a dry cough that might be accompanied by or progress to the point where insufficient oxygen is getting to the blood.

Because SARS is a fairly new virus there are not many preventative measures. Currently there are travel advisories in effect. If anyone entering the United States from China, Vietnam and Singapore they may be at risk of this illness. There is also a possibility you may be quarantined upon your entrance to the U.S.

The CDC also has posted these other preventative measures:

• SARS patients should there time outside the home and should not go to work, school, out-of-home day care, or other public areas for a 10-day period.
• Each patient with SARS should cover his or her mouth and nose with a tissue before sneezing or coughing.
• If possible, a recovering patient should wear a surgical mask during close contact with uninfected persons.
• Disposable gloves should be considered for any contact with body fluids from a SARS patient.
• SARS patients should avoid sharing eating utensils, towels, and bedding with other members of the household.

“People should follow basic hygiene,” says Dr. Stephan Hains, “they need to wash their hands and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough.”

Currently, there is no vaccine for SARS; however, scientists have found antibodies have been found in previous victims. Scientists believe that they will find a vaccine soon, but for now everyone should take extreme precautions.