Your doctor has decided to test you for SARS What do you need to know?

Your doctor will work with the health department to submit specimens for testing at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory. What laboratory tests will be done? The laboratory will need several kinds of samples to look for SARS infection. These may include blood test, stool, nose and throat swabs, a nasal wash and sputum or other lung fluids. There are two main tests that are used to detect SARS virus infection: Antibody testing: Blood is tested to see if your body has responded (made antibodies) to SARS virus infection. PCR: Samples are tested to detect the presence of the viruss genetic material. Samples can include blood, stool and respiratory fluids. When will samples be collected for SARS testing? A blood test will be collected to test for antibodies: NOW, early in your illness AND LATER, more than 28 days after your symptoms began. Because some people do not test positive for SARS antibodies until more than 28 days after they begin to feel sick, it is important to collect samples at least two times, including after you have recovered. Division of Public Health Notifiable Disease Section 2 Peachtree Street NW 14th floor Atlanta, GA 30303-3142 phone: 404-657-2588 fax: 404-657-7517

SARS

Information about

Information about SARS

What is SARS? SARS is short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome A dangerous infection, new since 2003, caused by a virus (SARS coronavirus) Who is at risk to get SARS? People who travel to places where SARS virus is found People who are close contacts of SARS patients Healthcare workers who might catch the SARS virus while caring for sick people

What are SARS symptoms? Early SARS infection: o High fever (over 100.4 F) o Headache o Body aches o Sometimes diarrhea (10-20% of patients) Late SARS infection: o Dry cough (after 2-7 days) o Shortness of breath o Pneumonia (most patients) Note: these symptoms are also caused by other infections. SARS is rare, and these symptoms are usually caused by something else. How is SARS virus spread? Close contact with a sick person who has SARS Breathing tiny droplets after a SARS patient coughs or sneezes Touching your mouth, nose or eyes after getting SARS virus on your hands Maybe, from SARS virus particles in the air

What kind of close contact can spread SARS? Taking care of a sick SARS patient Touching used hankies or tissues from a SARS patient Kissing or hugging a SARS patient Sharing eating or drinking utensils with a SARS patient Being within 3 feet of a talking or coughing SARS patient Touching places or objects where the SARS virus droplets might land What should I do if I think I have SARS? Call right away, and see your health care provider as soon as possible. Keep germs to yourself: o Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing o Throw tissues in the trash o Wash your hands often, especially after handling used tissues o Wear a mask over your mouth and nose