The full form of SARS disease is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
SARS is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It was first identified in 2003. While there have been no known cases of SARS reported worldwide since 2004, understanding the disease remains crucial.
Here's a breakdown:
- Severe: Indicating the seriousness and potential life-threatening nature of the illness.
- Acute: Describing the rapid onset and short duration of the illness (compared to chronic conditions).
- Respiratory: Highlighting that the disease primarily affects the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways.
- Syndrome: Signifying a collection of signs and symptoms that characterize a particular medical condition.
SARS is highly contagious and spreads through close person-to-person contact, primarily via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, SARS can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure.
Although SARS is no longer a widespread threat, the emergence of other coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) underscores the importance of ongoing research and preparedness for novel respiratory illnesses. Understanding the characteristics of SARS helps inform strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of related diseases.
