SARS is a new kind of pneumonia. From the end of 2002 to the beginning of 2003, SARS broke in Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Beijing, and then gradually spread to the world. SARS is extremely contagious. The symptoms of SARS progress very quickly. SARS smashes the people's tranquil life and many people live in horror, worry and anxiety (Leung, 20030). But if we review the medical history of pneumonia, we would have a better understanding of SARS. It is preventable and good care is essential for contagious patients. As Chinese people, we should have the best use of TCM in our combat with contagion.
The potentially deadly virus SARS has a range of distinctive symptoms.
Sufferers may find themselves faced with a burning fever and a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius.
The disease also makes breathing difficult and gives rise to a dry cough.
Someone infected with SARS might see changes in their chest X-rays, which could indicate pneumonia.
Other symptoms may include headaches, muscular stiffness, and loss of appetite, rash and diarrhoea.
The most obvious early symptom of SARS is: -
Fever > or = 38 Degree Celsius for one day or more
Most sufferers do not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, sneezing and runny nose in the early stage of the illness.
If the above symptom occurs:
1. Patients should seek medical advice
2. Students should stay at home
3. Students that have attended lectures should return home immediately
4. Patients should not go to work
5. People that have attended work should return home immediately
6. Avoid crowded areas and avoid using crowded public transport
People with fever or cough should wear mask or use handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
