SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a condition caused by a virus that damages the air sacs of the lungs. The lung tissues become inflamed and scarred. The damaged air sacs do not allow oxygen to get into your bloodstream, which may cause respiratory failure. Respiratory failure means you cannot breathe well enough to get oxygen to the cells of your body. The SARS virus is related to other viruses that cause common colds and diarrhea. It may be found in saliva, sputum, or discharge from the nose of an infected person.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

• You have sudden shortness of breath.
• You have a fast heartbeat or chest pain.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You feel so dizzy that you have trouble standing up.
• Your lips and fingernails turn blue.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You are coughing up bloody sputum.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

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 SARS. But any infection can affect your immune system and make you more vulnerable. Your provider may recommend these and other vaccines:
  • 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.
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the pneumonia vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

Prevent the spread of the SARS virus:

The SARS 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 SARS 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 SARS, 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 SARS 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.

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.

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