The facts about SARS

The emergence of a new type of pneumonia called SARS is causing alarm worldwide. Although the majority of cases have been in Hong Kong and mainland China, the illness has already struck in Britain - so what should you do? Anastasia Stephens reports.

Am I at risk?

So far, SARS has mainly affected people who have been travelling in Hong Kong or China, and family members or healthcare workers in close contact with them.

The cases in Europe have mainly struck international travellers who have spent time in the East.

'We cannot yet say if SARS is more likely to be life-threatening to the elderly, the young or the weak,' says Ian Simpson, spokesman for the World Health Organisation (WHO). 'Vulnerable people may simply be those who have been in closest contact with the virus.'

Do I have the symptoms?

The illness usually begins with a sudden fever. This may be associated with chills, headache and body aches as the immune system tries to fight the virus and cope with its toxic by-products.

Within 12 hours to several days, SARS patients may develop a dry, non-productive cough, fatigue and severe breathing problems. The danger with the cough is that, in some people, it can lead to respiratory failure because the infection interferes with the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen.

Inflammation, nausea and weakness contribute to the breathing problems. In 10 to 20 per cent of cases patients will require mechanical ventilation, and without urgent medical attention it can be devastating.

'Symptoms are often so severe, they require hospitalisation in 12 to 24 hours,' says Ian Simpson. 'The main thing is to contact a health professional immediately so you can be monitored and given respiratory support if needed.'

What should I do if I think I have SARS?

The earlier SARS is treated, the more successfully it can be brought under control.

Currently, the best advice is to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if you have been travelling in Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Beijing or Guangdong in China - and seek medical advice should you develop them within ten days of your return.

If you become ill suddenly with a temperature of more than 100.4 F (38C), accompanied by a cough or difficulty breathing, you should consult your doctor, informing them about any recent travel.

You should also tell them whether you remember being in contact with anyone you think had SARS symptoms. If you are worried about symptoms, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

What treatment will I get?

You will need urgent medical assessment and often hospitalisation. A combination of antibiotics and antiviral drugs is used to treat the illness, but without knowing the cause there is no specific treatment.

Regimens so far have included antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection and antiviral agents such as oseltamivir or ribavirin.

Steroids, which help with breathing, have also been administered orally or intravenously to patients in combination with other antimicrobial drugs.

If breathing becomes difficult, you will be put on a ventilator.

'Treatment is mainly aimed at managing symptoms, keeping fever down and aiding breathing,' says Ian Simpson. 'Antibiotics are used to prevent secondary infections but they aren't effective against the microbe that causes SARS, because it is probably a virus.'

However, because SARS appears to be caused by a new virus, current anti-viral drugs aren't very effective. Once researchers find out more about the virus, they will be able to start working on a tailored drug treatment.