What is SARS? Let's learn about this disease that spread in the past!

Do you remember the SARS outbreak that spread around the world a few years ago? You were probably a kid back then. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we've all learned a lot about respiratory diseases. So, let's talk a little about the SARS outbreak that scared the world in the past. Knowing this will help us face similar situations in the future.

What exactly is SARS?

Simply put, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a serious illness that affects the respiratory system, that is, the system in which we breathe. It spread to many countries around the world in 2002 and 2003.

This disease is caused by a virus that belongs to the coronavirus family. It is called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1) . Yes, you guessed it right, this is a close relative of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

At that time, most people who contracted SARS initially showed symptoms of a common cold, such as fever and headache. However, about one or two out of every ten patients (that's 10% - 20%) developed severe disease.

Fortunately, no SARS cases have been reported anywhere in the world since 2004. But it's still worth learning about this disease.

What are the symptoms of SARS?

There were several common symptoms of SARS. Let's take a closer look at them.

For some people, it came on like a normal flu and got better. But for others, the disease became severe and affected the lungs.

How did this disease spread?

This spread just like Covid-19.

• Respiratory droplets: The virus is present in tiny droplets (respiratory droplets) that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If these droplets enter the respiratory tract of someone nearby, they can spread the disease.
• By touching dirty surfaces: When someone with the virus coughs or sneezes, the virus can remain on surfaces such as tables and doorknobs. If a healthy person then touches those surfaces and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes with the same dirty hand, the virus can enter the body.

You see, right? The importance of washing your hands is always the same.

What are the possible complications of SARS?

As we discussed earlier, SARS did not cause severe illness in everyone, but those who did develop serious complications.

• Pneumonia: An infection and inflammation of the lungs.
• Hypoxia: A decrease in the amount of oxygen reaching the blood and body tissues. This is a very dangerous condition.
• Respiratory Failure: The lungs are unable to function properly. In such cases, patients are unable to breathe on their own and have to be connected to mechanical ventilation .

Are SARS and COVID-19 the same thing?

This is a question that many people have. The answer is, "No, these are two different diseases." But since both diseases are caused by two types of viruses in the coronavirus family, there are similarities and differences between the two. Let's see it clearly in a table.

So how was the spread of SARS stopped?

This is the most important part of this story. The SARS epidemic was controlled because countries and scientists around the world worked together.

• Rapid identification of the virus: Scientists quickly identified the virus that causes this and found ways to test it.
• Identifying and isolating patients: Since SARS was most contagious after symptoms appeared, testing people with flu-like symptoms and isolating them at home or in hospitals was a major step in controlling the spread.
• Public health measures: Measures such as screening passengers at airports and quarantining those who had come into contact with patients were taken.

Because of all these things, the world was able to completely stop the spread of the SARS virus within a few months.

What should we do to protect ourselves from viruses like this?

Although SARS is gone now, there are other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the common cold. So there are some simple health habits we can practice to protect ourselves from all of these.

• Wash your hands thoroughly: It is very important to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay away from others if you are sick: If you have a fever, cough, or cold, stay home. This will help prevent the spread of the disease to your family and others in the community.
• Wear a mask when sick: If you absolutely have to go out when you are sick, wear a mask.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. Do not cough directly into your hand.

If we make these habits a part of our lives, we can protect ourselves from not only SARS, but many other infectious diseases. If you or someone in your family experiences severe respiratory distress, it is important to seek medical advice immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. If you are in doubt about any medical condition, talk to your doctor .

SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, respiratory disease, virus, coronavirus, Covid-19, infectious disease