General Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / SARS Information

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America and Europe. Most of the U.S. cases of SARS have occurred among travelers returning to the United States from other parts of the world with SARS. There have been very few cases as a result of spread to close contacts such as family members and health care workers. Currently, there is no evidence that SARS is spreading more widely in the community in the United States.

Possible Causes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / SARS

Scientists at CDC and other laboratories have detected a previously unrecognized coronavirus in patients with SARS. The new coronavirus is the leading hypothesis for the cause of SARS. The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. Most cases of SARS have involved people who cared for or lived with someone with SARS, or had direct contact with infectious material (for example, respiratory secretions) from a person who has SARS. Potential ways in which SARS can be spread include touching the skin of other people or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching your eye(s), nose, or mouth. This can happen when someone who is sick with SARS coughs or sneezes droplets onto themselves, other people, or nearby surfaces. It also is possible that SARS can be spread more broadly through the air or by other ways that are currently not known.

Possible Symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / SARS

SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]. Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry, nonproductive cough that might be accompanied by or progress to the point where insufficient oxygen is getting to the blood. In 10 percent to 20 percent of cases, patients will require mechanical ventilation. The incubation period for SARS is typically 2 to 7 days; however, isolated reports have suggested an incubation period as long as 10 days.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / SARS

Anyone considering travel to areas of the world where SARS is prevalent should check travel advisories prior to departure. If travel to these areas is essential, visitors should wash their hands frequently to protect against SARS infection and avoid close contact with large numbers of people as much as possible to minimize the possibility of infection. Routine use of masks and personal protective equipment while in public areas is not usually necessary. People with symptoms of SARS (fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C] accompanied by a cough and/or difficulty breathing) should consult a health-care provider. To help the health-care provider make a diagnosis, tell him/her about any recent travel to places where SARS has been reported or whether there was contact with someone who had these symptoms.

In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

Beneficial Dietary Supplements:

• Grapefruit Seed Extract is effective in treating a variety of ailments, including SARS.
• Colostrum supports the immune system.
• Bee Propolis Extract is a natural antibiotic.
• Garlic helps support circulation.

REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D.

Recommended Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products from Herbal Remedies

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