An Overview of SARS Treatment
About 2 to 10 days after the
SARS virus has infected a person, the person may begin developing SARS symptoms. There is currently no treatment that can kill the SARS virus. Therefore, treatment for SARS is focused on providing relief of symptoms and complications as the body fights the SARS virus.
Supportive Care During SARS Treatment
SARS treatment requires hospitalization for intensive supportive care. This supportive care can include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Medications, including antibiotics, steroids, and/or antivirals
- Breathing support from a ventilator
- Prevention of secondary infections
- Good nursing care.
Research scientists continue to look for medications to treat the SARS virus; they are also trying to develop a vaccine to prevent SARS.
The Future of SARS Treatment
At this point, intensive and supportive medical care is the primary SARS treatment. However, the SARS virus is being tested against various
antiviral drugs to see if an effective SARS treatment can be found. While several compounds have shown antiviral activity, only alpha interferon is suitable for immediate clinical evaluation.
As more information about the mechanisms of the SARS virus infection are being researched, research scientists are beginning to design drugs specifically aimed at its weak points. One such project is developing an "entry inhibitor" that prevents the SARS virus from infecting human cells.
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