SARS symptoms, countries affected, how to avoid it, treatment, and more [Archives:2003/631/Health]

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April 14 2003
A Taiwanese nurse wields an electronic thermometer at the arrival hall at Taipei international airport, April 10. (Reuters)
A Taiwanese nurse wields an electronic thermometer at the arrival hall at Taipei international airport, April 10. (Reuters)
A Chinese boy puts on a mask in Beijing, April 11. (REUTERS)
A Chinese boy puts on a mask in Beijing, April 11. (REUTERS)
Written by BUPA's Health Information Team
What is SARS?
SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome.

What are the symptoms of SARS?
The main symptoms of SARS are:
– a high fever (over 38 C) associated with one or more respiratory symptoms, including:
* cough
* shortness of breath
* difficulty breathing.
People who experience these symptoms and have been to an affected area are advised to see a doctor immediately.
The above is taken from the World Health Organisation (WHO) advice – 4 April:
http://www.who.int/csr/sars/2003_04_04a/en/

Which countries are classified as \”affected\””?
As of 2 April