1. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS is a new type of atypical pneumonia that infects the lungs. It is caused by a virus which is yet to be confirmed.
2. SARS is transmitted through droplets spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the droplets are spread to a nearby contact. At present, the bulk of the evidence is that there is little airborne transmission of the infection.
3. The earliest symptom is a sudden onset of high fever with or without muscle aches. Some patients may also have chills, headaches, shivering spells and coughs. After 3 to 7 days, patients may start to cough and experience shortness of breath, and X-ray changes of pneumonia, usually after a further 3 to 4 days. A person is not infectious during the incubation period which is about 3 to 7 days, but for some, it may be up to 10 days. Most of the SARS patients here passed on the virus to a small number of people only and through close contact.
4. From the cases so far, it appears that SARS becomes infectious only after the infected person develops symptoms. A small number of individuals with SARS who are very sick can be very infectious.
5. According to World Health Organisation and evidence here, in about 80% to 90% of cases, the patient gradually recovers. About 4% to 5% of patients pass away despite good intensive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have flu-like symptoms, does it mean I have SARS?
Not everyone with flu-like symptoms has SARS. But if you are unwell, see a doctor first.
2. If I have traveled to an affected country, will I get SARS?
Not everyone who has traveled to SARS-affected countries will be infected. They should however monitor their health closely. If they develop any symptoms, go to TTSH Emergency Department for assessment. They should not go to work.
If you do not develop any symptoms of SARS within 10 days following your travel to the affected places, it is unlikely that you are infected.
3. Will people who Tan Tock Seng Hospital spread the virus to others?
The non-SARS patients warded in Tan Tock Seng Hospital are physically separated from the SARS wards.
No visitors are allowed for SARS patients.
All hospital staff in Tan Tock Seng Hospital are taking extra precautions for infection control so that they are protected from catching SARS and are not infectious themselves.
4. What is the purpose of the Home Quarantine Order? Who is affected by it?
The Home Quarantine Order is an added precautionary measure to help contain the spear of SARS. Through our contact tracing, we isolate people who have been exposed to SARS patients as early as possible. They are not infectious but are asked to stay at home as a precaution. After 10 days, if they remain well, with no symptoms of SARS, the quarantine order is lifted.
5. What is the follow-up for SARS patients who have been discharged?
Only SARS patients who have recovered will be discharged.
Given medical leave for another 14 days, and advised to stay at home
Discharged patients are no longer infectious.
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