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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Delhi

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Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) Treatment

Treating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which is caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), typically involves a mix of supportive care and targeted therapies designed to alleviate symptoms and handle complications. Here’s an overview of the treatment strategies employed for SARS:

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Supportive Care

  • During hospitalization, most SARS patients require close monitoring and supportive treatments:
  • Hospitalization: Patients need to stay in the hospital for careful observation and supportive care.
  • Respiratory Support: Some may require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if they have severe breathing problems.
  • Fluid Management: It's crucial to maintain the right balance of fluids to prevent dehydration and keep blood pressure stable.
  • Nutritional Support: Patients receive proper nutrition, often through IV if they can't eat normally.

Pharmacological Treatments

  • Doctors may use medications to manage symptoms:
  • Antiviral Medications: Ribavirin, though its effectiveness isn't certain, was used during the SARS outbreak.
  • Corticosteroids: These are controversial due to side effects but can help reduce lung inflammation.
  • Interferons: These proteins with antiviral properties were tested experimentally for treating SARS.
  • Antibiotics: Given to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections in SARS patients.

Experimental and Adjunctive Therapies

  • Additional treatments explored include:
  • Convalescent Plasma: Plasma containing antibodies from recovered SARS patients was used experimentally and showed some promise.
  • Immunomodulators: Drugs that adjust the immune response to help control the infection and minimize lung damage.
  • Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made antibodies designed to target specific parts of the virus.

Infection Control Measures

  • Precautions to prevent the spread of the virus include:
  • Isolation: Strict isolation of SARS patients to stop the virus from spreading.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers and visitors wear masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection.
  • Quarantine: Those who've been in contact with SARS patients are quarantined to watch for symptoms and prevent further spread.

Research and Development

  • Efforts continue to improve treatments and develop vaccines:
  • Vaccines: No vaccines were available during the original SARS outbreak, but ongoing research, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, may lead to potential vaccines for future outbreaks.

Summary

Treating SARS focuses on supportive care, antiviral drugs, and managing inflammation. Experimental treatments like convalescent plasma and immunomodulators are explored. Strict infection control is vital. Ongoing research is crucial for better treatments and vaccines.

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