Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. The illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before the SARS global outbreak of 2003 was contained.
See also :

• Influenza
• Immunological Disorders
• Infectious Diseases
• Respiratory Diseases

Symptoms

Initial symptoms are flu-like and may include fever, myalgia, lethargy symptoms, cough, sore throat, and other nonspecific symptoms. The only symptom common to all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C (100 °F). Shortness of breath may occur later. The patient has symptoms as with a cold in the first stage, but later on they resemble influenza. SARS may occasionally lead to pneumonia, either direct viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Home remedies

• Spirulina C-Phycocyanin inhibits the NSP12 required for replication of SARS / COVID-19
• Yu Ping Feng San was the basic herbal formula recommended by Chinese health authorities to the public for prevention of SARS several years ago when SARS occured in China. In the verge of a superflu pandemic, we would recommend its use for strengthening our defense to any possible flu outbreak.
• The Institute of Chinese Medicine shows that the following herbal combination is promising in the prevention of SARS particularly among high-risk groups. It is a combination of 2 chinese patent medecines Sang Ju Yin and Yu Ping Feng San with additional 2 herbs : Herbal Formula containing :
  • Sang Ye (Folium Mori)
  • Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi)
  • Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum)
  • Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae)
  • Bo He (Herba Menthae)
  • Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis)
  • Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
  • Lu Gen (Rhizoma Phragmitis)
  • Huang Qi (Radix Astragali)
  • Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae)
  • Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis)
  • Huang Qin (Radix Scutellaria)
• Licorice : research found glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid and their derivatives to inhibit viruses that include SARS coronavirus, herpes, HIV, hepatitis, influenza.
• Panax Ginseng is mentioned here because it is relied upon to protect a person from disease; it is also considered important in treating serious lung diseases. It is used to tonify the qi, improve digestion, strengthen the lungs, alleviate coughing, and calm the mind. Substitutes include Codonopsis (C. pilosula) and Pseudostellaria (P. heterophylla).
• Tremella fuciformis (white fungus, silver ear : It is used to nourish the yin, tonify the lung, eliminate sputum, relieve cough, and calm the mind.is a tonic that is considered beneficial as a food to prevent illness and is also commonly used to resolve lung ailments.
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is used to treat "wind-heat" syndromes, such as influenza, with symptoms of fever, sore throat, and cough, somewhat like what is experienced with early stage of SARS. It is used to dispel wind-heat, applied in early stage of febrile diseases. Some people prefer to use wild chrysanthemum (C. indicum), which has a smaller white flower.
• Andrographis (Andrographis peniculata; green chiretta). It is used to treat toxic heat syndromes, with the effect of alleviating fever, cough, and sore throat. It is a potent bitter herb that is used to treat infections; it has become a popular remedy for common cold and flu. Andrographis is classified in the Chinese system as an anti-toxin herb, where a toxin can refer to an infectious organism (pathogen)
• Red Algae produce mannose-binding lectins, which allow the algae to protect themselves from invasion by viruses.
• Baikal Skullcap is a highly effective natural antiviral remedy. In his book Herbal Antivirals, Stephen Harrod Buhner cites Skullcap as one of the best remedies, citing its effectiveness against Epstein-Barr, adeno viruses, avian flu, hepatitis, SARS, and polio.
• Immune Boosting Foods :
  • food that boost the immune system included green vegetables, dairy products, kiwi fruit, lemons and oranges, as well as nuts like almonds and cashew, which were high in vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Even cooked poultry and shellfish are important immune boosters due to the protein and zinc they provide. Shellfish that are high in zinc include crab, clams, lobster and mussels. However, observe the daily recommended amount (11mg for men and 8mg for women). Too much zinc can inhibit the immune system.
  • Deficiencies in Vitamin D may lead to poor bone growth, cardiovascular problems and a weak immune system. “Choose supplements that contain D3 (cholecalciferol), since it’s good for raising your blood levels of Vitamin D.
  • Nutritionist Dr Sareena Hanim Hamzah said a balanced diet comprising carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, as well drinking enough water, were essential to boosting the immune system.
  • Fruits and vegetables of various colours are important for the body to replenish and strengthen one’s immunity. Fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C, E and antioxidants that can enhance the immune system to fight against infections and pathogens. She said citrus fruits and berries were among the best for strengthening the immune system. For vegetables, she recommended bell peppers, broccoli and spinach.
• Homeopathy :
  • Prophylaxis : The medicine that can prove to be a prophylactic in this pneumonia is Chelidonium majus. This medicine can be taken by people working closely with SARS patients like doctors, nurses, relatives and colleagues of known patients.
  • First Stage : The medicines that can help most of the SARS cases in the initial phase are Aconitum napellus, Arsenicum Album, and Belladonna. Of these, Aconite will prove most important in aborting the disease when given at the onset of flu-like symptoms. This medicine should be given as soon as one experiences flu-like symptoms.
  • Second Stage : When the symptoms of pneumonia are well apparent, then the medicines that can prove to be of maximum value in current outbreak are Natrum sulphuricum, Phosphorus (homeopathy), Chelidonium, and Bryonia alba.
  • Third Stage : If the patient is terminally ill with threatened respiratory failure, the medicines that can help to save many lives are Crotalus Horridus, Lachesis, Ailanthus glandulosa, and Muriatic acid.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.