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The
Deadly SARS
The dreaded SARS virus is making
its way across the globe at breakneck speed in terms of disease. The thought
that it is possibly only a matter of time before the virus enters India,
is uppermost on a lot of people's mind, even though we hope advances in
medicine prove us wrong. Before hitting the panic button, perhaps we should
know exactly what we are up against, and what we can do for our safety.
What is SARS?
SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome, and as the name suggests, it targets the respiratory system.
It is a deadlier form of pneumonia. The mystery virus was only recently
identified as the corona virus, a strain of the virus that causes the common
cold. This virus has killed more than 80 people worldwide as of now, and
around 2,300 people are currently suffering from the illness.
Is there any cure?
While SARS is a deadly disease, it
does not necessarily culminate in death. Once again, not everyone affected
with SARS will die. The United States reported 115 SARS cases, none of
which were fatal. Though a cure has not yet been found, patients have recovered
from SARS by using regular pneumonia medication and steroids, if they were
otherwise in good health.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of SARS include dry cough,
high fever (above 100.3 degrees) respiratory problems, and it may also
result in diarrhoea and vomiting. As of now you needn't worry if you suddenly
start sneezing and coughing, unless the virus has invaded your country,
and if it is accompanied by high fever and respiratory strain.
How contagious
is it?
The illness spreads through contact
with an infected person, and through contact with his nasal secretions.
It also spreads though surface contact. So, if a person has sneezed in
his hands and wiped them on a table, you may catch the infection if you
touch the same table and then bring your hands to your mouth or nose.
Precautions
Measures are being taken around the
globe to avoid travel to countries inflicted with SARS, notably China,
Hong Kong and Canada. Flights are being cancelled, and people are being
warned against traveling to these countries unless absolutely essential.
Many schools, offices and public places in countries infected with SARS,
have shut down as a precautionary measure.
As of now, start taking all the precautions
you would, to avoid getting a common cold. You could eat a small piece
of ginger every day, mixed with honey. This will strengthen your immunity.
Do yoga, especially the pranayam
and other breathing exercises, to strengthen your lungs and respiratory
system. The pranayam is a series of exercises, and we will dwell in detail
on those at a later stage. For now, here is one exercise you can practice
immediately.
-
Sit up with your spine/back straight.
-
Inhale deeply to the count of 5, and
feel the breath going into your system. EXPAND your stomach and your chest
while inhaling.
-
Retain the breath as you count to 3
or 5.
-
Exhale, and CONTRACT your stomach and
chest, as you push your breath and carbon dioxide out.
Excessive use of disinfectants is one
of the prime reasons for viruses developing new strains. Just as we get
immune to certain viruses and germs, so also do germs develop immunity,
and counter the effects of antiseptics and detergents by developing new
strains. By using disinfectants we are only curtailing our own immunity,
and increasing the immunity of germs by exposing them unnecessarily to
disinfectants. Of course, when you are treating a sick person, you should
definitely wash your hands with an antiseptic, but on a regular basis,
there is no need whatsoever. So for now, lock up all those
disinfectant soaps, cleaning liquids and pens (!!) in a cupboard. Use regular,
non-antiseptic products as far as possible.
What should you
do if a family member gets infected with SARS?
-
Make sure the infected person does not
step out of the house during the illness, and for 10 days after the symptoms
have subsided. (Ten days after a person recovers from SARS, he will no
longer be a carrier and will be unable to infect anyone.)
-
Give the patient a separate room and
toilet for his sole use.
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Keep all surfaces clean.
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Make sure the infected person sneezes
in a tissue, which he should then throw in a garbage bin by his bedside.
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The infected person should wear a surgical
mask at home, to avoid infecting other family members. Similarly, other
family members could also wear surgical masks as a further precaution.
This will also prevent them from accidentally touching their mouths and
noses, and inhaling the virus.
-
When treating or touching a SARS patient,
especially when coming into contact with his bodily fluids such mucus,
vomit or stools, wear disposable gloves.
-
Avoid touching your mouth and nose as
far as possible, during this time.
-
Wash your hands often, with soap.
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Put those household disinfectants to
use.
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