Health warning: new SARS virus twice as deadly

[Ronzkie23]

---

Remember the SARS outbreak in 2002?

SARS, which stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome, was an epidemic with 8,000 reported cases worldwide and caused 750 deaths.

Because SARS was a new disease then and health experts had little to go on in terms of treating it, people went to great lengths to prevent its possible spread. Everybody put on facemasks in public places, talking in elevators was prohibited and holding hands during church services was discouraged. New virus from bats

There is a new SARS virus in town.

It is from the same family, the coronavirus.

Coronaviruses frequently affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. The symptoms are: runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, chills, diarrhea or vomiting.

Spread of the coronavirus is by nasal secretions such as sneezing.

These organisms were transmitted originally from civet cats, the feline famous for the expensive coffee beans harvested from their poop.

Recent data shows that the latest coronavirus may be from bats.


No known treatment

The new virus is not as infectious as the 2002 variety. It is not passed easily from human to human.

So far, there have only been two documented cases. One is a Saudi man who died several months ago and another Qatari man in critical condition at a London Hospital.

Although this new virus is not as contagious, it seems to be more deadly since it also causes kidney failure.

There is no known treatment for this virus. No vaccine is yet available.


How to prevent SARS

The best solution is still prevention and maintaining a strong immune system.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent spreading this virus:


1. Wash your hands.

Hand washing is the simplest yet most effective way to avoid disease. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says, 80% of infections are spread by touch. For a thorough wash, count up to 20 while scrubbing with water and soap or a hand sanitizer.

2. Sneeze in your elbow.

Many of us cover our nose and mouth with our hands when we sneeze. The hand is the most hardworking part of our body. It picks up the phone, touches the doorknob, faucet, computer and, yes, it shakes other people’s hands too. By sneezing in your elbow, the transfer of disease ends there on your sleeve not on somebody else’s hand.

3. Disinfect all busy surfaces.

According to the Mayo Clinic, germs stay alive on surfaces and in stagnant air up to 48 hours. It is wise to wipe with alcohol all areas that have heavy handling such as TV remotes, telephones, computers and toys. All rooms should be aired out to allow clean, fresh air inside.

4. Go disposable.

This is one area where Mother Nature is not the priority. Saving the world by using one hanky to sneeze on all day is not the wisest choice. The virus remains viable in that piece of cloth and reusing it will only increase your exposure. Use disposable tissue paper to sneeze on or to blow your nose.

5. Build yourself up.

When you’re down with the cold, make an effort to eat more healthy foods, get at least 8 hours of sleep, reduce stress by not bringing home any schoolwork or office work and don’t lock yourself indoors. Get out and soak up some sun and crisp air.


***


Dr. Diana Sarmiento is a mother of three, part-time doctor, and a full-time wife and mother. The topics closest to her heart are women’s health, parenting, and any new information that she can get her hands on. Read more on her personal blog, Filipina M.D.

Source: Health warning: new SARS virus twice as deadly - Yahoo! She Philippines

[virtan08]

Thanks for sharing TS. Hope makadiscover na sila ug anti-virus para aning Corona virus. We can call it impeachmeds.

[cool_romar]

very informative. thanks for the share.

[edoy]

tingali ug nana pud naka kaon ug unod gikan sa mga wild animals, kay ako natan-awan sa documentary sa gma news TV 11, nga ang AIDS,EBOLA ug SARS virus kay gikan ni sa tawo nga nakaka-on ug unod/karne sa usa ka wild animals. pero wala pa kasigurohan kung sakto pa ang mga pangagpas nila, basta usa ni-anang matang nga virus kay gikan sa wild animals nga susama sa klase nga unggoy.

[Code Talker]

at least dli cya dali ma pasa. pero mo mutate ra gihapon na.

OT: mahalin pa ba kaha like hot cakes kung mamaligya ko ug face mask tungod aning SARs?