Respro - Urban Survival Equipment

View Technical Information on:

• Avian Influenza
• Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
• Do masks really work?
• Mold
• Decomposition of Low Level Ozone in the Urban Environment
• Pollen Calendar
• SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
• Understanding OEL
• Swine Influenza (Flu) H1N1 virus

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Recent global concern over what is known as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has prompted us to put the following pages together which we hope informs you of the problem and what practical steps can be taken to avoid contact with the virus. The information is presented simply and objectively so as to avoid any panic situation or stress as a result of either not knowing, or being mis-informed about it.

Q: What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?

A: SARS is a condition in which affected individuals develop fever, followed by mild respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In some cases the respiratory symptoms become increasingly severe, and they require oxygen support and mechanical ventilation. Rarely, individuals with SARS have died as a result of their illness. Other symptoms include muscle aches, headaches and sore throat. The cause of SARS is unknown and no infectious agents as yet have been identified.

Q. How easy is it to get SARS?

A: "close contact" (with someone who already has the virus) is the phrase being used. Essentially, If someone were to sneeze in a closed environment (room, train compartment aeroplane cabin etc) then there would be a significantly greater chance of you catching it, than being in a well ventilated environment.

Q: How is SARS diagnosed?

A: Doctors are using the following criteria:

• People who have recently travelled to affected countries or those who have had close contact with persons diagnosed with SARS who develop a fever (over 38 deg C);
• and are suffering from one or more of the following respiratory symptoms: cough, shortness of breath or are having difficulty breathing.

Q: How is it transmitted?

A: It is known to be a virus not dissimilar to a flu virus in the way that it is transmitted. Like flu viruses, it is likely that it is carried and passed via water droplets and other particles in the air. Direct contact with respiratory fluids (generated when coughing) is more than likely going to increase the chance of getting it.

Q: Who is at risk of developing SARS?

A: Persons travelling to and from countries known to have people who have contracted the virus. These countries are as follows: China (Guangdong province and Hong Kong), Singapore and Vietnam (city of Hanoi) Canada and recently Australia.

Q: How can I protect myself?

A: Do not travel to areas known to have the virus present.- if that is not practical, then it would be sensible to purchase and wear a good quality respiratory face mask that seals well around the nose and mouth and affords good filtration.

Infection control advice suggests that nothing less than a P2 or P3 mask (European Standard EN149) or N95 (North American standards) should be used. Basic paper masks that do not seal may help in avoiding direct physical contact but will not filter the air that you breathe sufficiently, to avoid it getting into your system.

Q: Where can I get more info from:

A: www.cdc.gov