Unveiling the SARS-Linked Virus: Insights and Implications of the Latest Cases
Respiratory diseases are often a result of viral infection. One such notorious outbreak was Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which first emerged in China in February 2003 and then spread to 4 more countries. The SARS-associated coronavirus is the cause behind the infection. As this Coronaviridae family virus mutated, it gave rise to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 — prompting the recent global pandemic. Let us learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a strain of the species Betacoronavirus pandemicum), and its impact worldwide.
What is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)?
Being an airborne virus, SARS is readily transmissible through saliva droplets. It causes influenza and cold and can spread indirectly if a person touches an infected surface. While adults are prone to this infection, children under 15 years old are also known to be affected.
- The common symptoms are shortness of breath, dry cough, and a high fever of 100.5° F (38°C).
- The direct risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is for those who come in close contact with the infected person such as health workers, family members, etc.
- Complications of the SARS disease include breathing issues leading to the requirement of a mechanical respirator. The individual may develop pneumonia. In some cases, the infected may pass away due to respiratory/liver/heart failure.
- It is thus, important to prevent the spread of SARS to stay healthy and safe. Efforts to develop a vaccine are also underway by several countries.
How SARS-CoV-2 Differs from Other Coronaviruses?
The SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 before the virus spread like wildfire worldwide. The major pandemic caused a huge death toll and public health problems across the globe. In just two decades, we have seen several outbreaks of the SARS virus, including SARS-CoV (2002–2003), SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) that occurred in 2012.
- All these virus variants affect humans and likely originated from bats, while SARS-CoV could have been spread through intermediate hosts such as palm Civets in Guangdong, China.
- As for SARS-CoV-2, which shares characteristics with Nidovirales order members, originated from imported pangolins or horseshoe bats, while MERS-CoV in the Arabian Peninsula spread likely from dromedary camels.
- 229E, NL63, HKU1, and OC43 are the other known endemic human coronaviruses. All such viruses have single-stranded RNA and are enveloped, large, and with a positive sense.
- The SARS virus and other coronaviruses use ribosomal frameshifting to reveal their polyproteins and nonstructural proteins, crucial in vivo replication. These lead to enzymatic and protein activities for respiratory infection.
Current SARS Cases and Implications
Contact with contaminated secretions face-to-face through sneezing, touch, or breathing, is the common cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in humans. The causes of SARS are on the rise in the 21st century. The incubation period varies from two to seven days after transmission. Most people show symptoms after or within ten days.
- Several variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were detected in 2020 and afterward. The Alpha variant emerged in the United Kingdom in September 2020, with further mutation i.e. N501Y, E484K, and P681H.
- The Beta variant was first found in May 2020, in South Africa with a high transmissibility rate. Its prominent mutations are N501Y, K417N, and E484K.
- The Gamma variant emerged in November 2020, in Brazil with increased virulence with lesser effectivity of the COVID-19 vaccine. The mutations include E484K, K417N, and N501Y.
- The Delta and Omicron variants emerged in India in October 2020 and Botswana in November 2021, respectively.
Understanding the SARS Vaccine and Ongoing Research
Here is everything you need to know about the SARS vaccine, medicine, and further projects for the same:
- While there are only a few medications for the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, one of the known medicines is Masitinib, which inhibits the primary protease. It reduces the viral load but is not yet approved for use in humans.
- Emergency authorization was provided to Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir by the United States in December 2021.
- While there is no approved SARS vaccine to date, the COVID-19 vaccine may offer some protection against the infection.
- In March 2020, COVID Moonshot, an open science collaborative project was undertaken internationally to develop an oral medication (antiviral) for the SARS disease in humans.
Prevention and Safety Measures: Protecting Yourself from SARS
Here are some practical tips on protecting yourself from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap. Avoid touching any surface or even if you have to, use an alcohol-based sanitizer to keep your hands clean.
- If there is a SARS outbreak, avoid sharing utensils, food, and beverages with others as the virus spreads through saliva droplets.
- If your hands are unclean, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Cover your mouth and nose during coughing, sneezing, and talking. Wearing masks is an excellent practice to deter SARS virus transmission.
- Be indoors until mandatory to go out, because wellness at home comes first and social distancing (maintaining a 3-feet distance from other people) is the best to follow.
- Take the COVID-19 vaccine available, and follow a healthy diet containing food items rich in zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and other nutrients.
- To prevent SARS‑CoV‑2, clean surfaces regularly with disinfectants. Use the one with low toxicity, effective to counter infectious organic matter, and with a wide germicidal range.
Final Thoughts on the SARS Disease and Staying Healthy
Since the SARS virus spreads easily, you must follow preventive measures and seek proper vaccination for the COVID-19 virus to boost immunity.
- According to the DHA, public healthcare guidelines in Dubai advise a PCR test for those with SARS‑CoV‑2 symptoms.
- It also recommends the elderly wear masks in public, especially those with chronic diseases, or vulnerability to infection.
- Upon assessment by the doctor, one can opt for a sick leave as well. So, stay safe and healthy by being cautious.
Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare
If you experience symptoms that could be related to a SARS-linked virus, it’s essential to seek medical advice without delay. First Response Healthcare offers a doctor on call service, allowing you to receive expert medical evaluation and treatment at your home. Our service ensures that you get the necessary care while minimizing the risk of spreading infections in public spaces.
To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our website or messaging us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Question
Q. What are the effects of the SARS virus?
SARS disease causes respiratory infections with flu-like symptoms such as dry cough, breathing problems, high fever, and other complications.
Q. Who is more at risk of SARS virus infection?
Those over 60 years of age, with weak immune systems and chronic diseases, or those using immunosuppressant medicines, are at a higher risk of SARS viral infection.
Q. How to prevent MERS?
To prevent MERS and other viral infections from causing respiratory issues, you must wash your hands regularly with soap or apply sanitizer on them, wear masks in public places, and practice social distancing during an outbreak.
Q. Is there any vaccine for SARS?
There is no known SARS vaccine to cure the infection. However, you can follow home remedies and take the prescribed medicines for a faster recovery.
References & Citations:
Related Blogs:
All you need to know about omicron and other coronavirus variants