The respiratory condition known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious disease. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which first appeared in Asia in 2003 and subsequently spread to other countries, including those in North America (Langan, 2022). The definition provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be used to help diagnose and treat patients, track the occurrence of the disease, identify its cause, and determine who should be quarantined.
For example, when it comes to diagnosing and treating patients, one can use temperature and symptoms as foundational metrics for assessment. If an individual has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher and exhibits symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing, it may be an indicator of an infection, necessitating further treatment. In such cases, it can be decided to isolate the person and administer medication.
Moreover, it is possible to track the occurrence of the disease. By accurately and consistently counting all patients diagnosed with SARS, it will be easier to determine the area of infection and whether the infection is spreading. Moreover, considering that the infection officially began spreading in 2003, one can also observe the patterns of expansion.
The definition of SARS can additionally be used to identify the cause of the infection. If researchers ensure that each case meets the specific criteria, they can study the disease and compare the results on a global scale. Moreover, on a micro level, the cause of infection can be determined by examining the history of recent contacts, specifically within the last ten days.
Finally, the definition of SARS can be used to decide who should be quarantined. For example, by examining the patient’s history and learning about recent contacts, it is possible to quarantine the sick patient and those who may be potential transmitters of the infection. Furthermore, authorities can document areas from which infected travelers come. For instance, by requiring quarantine, it is possible to identify areas with the highest concentrations of infection. Overall, the definition of SARS can help address social and individual issues by making diagnoses, treating, and quarantining individuals.
Reference
Langan, J. (2022). Preparing nurses for disaster management. Elsevier Health Sciences.