Mers (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It is sometimes called the Middle East coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Coronavirus is the name of a group of viruses. The viruses are common and usually cause mild infections, such as a cold. MERS may lead to severe, life-threatening problems. The virus damages the air sacs of the lungs, and they become inflamed and scarred. The damaged air sacs do not allow oxygen to get into your bloodstream, leading to respiratory failure. Respiratory failure means you cannot breathe well enough to get oxygen to the cells of your body. Your risk for severe symptoms is higher if you have a weak immune system. A health condition such as diabetes or a lung disease also increases your risk.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
- You have a fast heartbeat and your chest hurts.
Seek care immediately if:
- You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
- Your lips, skin, or nails are blue.
Call your doctor if:
- You are coughing more, or your fever does not go away when your healthcare provider said it should.
- You think you came in contact with someone infected with the MERS virus.
- You have symptoms of MERS after you or someone close to you traveled to the Middle East.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to treat the viral infection or reduce your symptoms.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Ask about inhalers and high-flow masks. A metered-dose inhaler may help open your airway so you can breathe easier. Do not use a nebulizer machine or humidifier that increases air moisture. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on using inhalers and masks correctly.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can make your symptoms worse. They can also cause infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. No vaccine is available for MERS. But any infection can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable. Do the following to protect yourself:
- Get a flu vaccine as soon as recommended each year. The flu vaccine is available starting in September or October. Flu viruses change, so it is important to get a flu vaccine every year.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccine history. Tell him or her if you did not get certain vaccines as a child, or you did not get all recommended doses. Tell him or her if you do not know your vaccine history. He or she will tell you which vaccines you need, and when to get them.
Prevent the spread of MERS:
The MERS virus is spread when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Others can become infected by breathing in the virus or getting the virus in their eyes. Follow the directions below to prevent the spread of the MERS virus:
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water every time you wash your hands. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the nails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands. Use germ-killing gel if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Everyone should always cover a sneeze or cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the tissue away right after you use it. Use the bend of your arm if you do not have a tissue. Wash your hands after you sneeze or cough.
- Limit close contact with others. If you are sick, stay home or away from others until you are well. Stay in a different room from others in the house. Remind others to stay at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from you while you are sick. Do not share items with anyone. Items you use need to be washed before others use them. If you do not have MERS, it is still a good idea to be careful around others. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
- Do not go outside except for medical appointments. Call ahead to the healthcare provider's office. The provider will have to take safety steps to keep others in the office safe. Stay home from work, school, and other activities. Your provider will tell you when it is okay to be around others again.
- Wear a medical mask if you have MERS or take care of someone who does. A medical mask can help prevent the virus from traveling through the air in droplets from your respiratory tract. Wash your hands after you take off your gloves and mask. Throw away the gloves after each use. Throw away your mask if it gets wet or comes in contact with body fluids.
- Clean surfaces often. Use bleach diluted with water or disinfecting wipes to clean counters, doorknobs, toilet seats, and other surfaces.
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Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
For more information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30333
Phone: 1- 404 - 6393311
Phone: 1- 800 - 3113435
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Mers
Treatment options
- Medications for Infection
- Medications for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
- Medications for Pulmonary Impairment
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
