Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

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. Over the next few months, 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.

SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus - the SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) - which can be life-threatening.

How SARS is Spread

SARS, Treatment, Control and Tests

SARS: Tips for Travellers

COVID-19 increases chronic fatigue risk

Study reveals that COVID-19 significantly increases the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome, with specific populations, such as older adults, Asians, and non-hospitalized patients, at higher risk.

7 Oct 2024

Study reveals high effectiveness of flu vaccines in children but highlights challenges with certain subtypes

Study found that influenza vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection and hospitalization in children, though efficacy against certain subtypes like H3N2 remains limited due to small sample sizes.

6 Oct 2024

Mild COVID-19 disrupts brain connectivity and reduces memory function in adolescents and young adults

Study reveals localized brain changes in adolescents and young adults post-COVID, including reduced hippocampal volume and disrupted connectivity, correlating with impaired working memory. These findings highlight the importance of understanding long-term cognitive effects of mild COVID-19.

3 Oct 2024

Long-lived plasma cells fail to establish after COVID mRNA vaccination, limiting long-term antibody response

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma cells were largely excluded from the long-lived plasma cell compartment in the bone marrow after mRNA vaccination, explaining the short-lived antibody response.

2 Oct 2024

Long COVID affects 38% of emergency patients with persistent symptoms

Researchers found that post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) symptoms persist in a significant number of both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative emergency department patients, highlighting the non-specific nature of the WHO’s PCC criteria.

1 Oct 2024

Study reveals widespread long-COVID symptoms, challenging WHO definition

Study reveals that more than one-third of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients experience long-COVID symptoms three months after an emergency department visit, with significant overlap in symptoms observed among negative patients.

1 Oct 2024

COVID-19 vaccine uptake higher in people with mental illness but drops for those not on medication

Researchers examined the link between mental illness and COVID-19 vaccine uptake, finding high vaccination rates but lower uptake among unmedicated individuals with mental health conditions.

1 Oct 2024

How viral persistence and immune dysfunction drive long COVID

Study explores the biological drivers and mechanisms of long COVID, shedding light on its epidemiology and potential therapeutic interventions. It emphasizes the role of viral persistence, immune dysfunction, and coagulation in the development of this condition.

29 Sep 2024

Human challenge study reveals lasting cognitive decline after mild COVID-19

Researchers from the UK conducted the first human challenge study of SARS-CoV-2, revealing long-lasting cognitive deficits in unvaccinated participants infected with the virus, especially in memory and executive function.

23 Sep 2024

Researchers identify new oscillatory patterns in COVID-19 cases across the U.S.

Researchers discovered previously unrecognized oscillatory trends in COVID-19 cases across the U.S., particularly a north-south oscillation around the 37°-38° north latitude. These patterns highlight the complexity of pandemic dynamics and the importance of understanding regional disease transmission.

22 Sep 2024

Long COVID patients maintain robust immune memory two years after infection

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2-specific T and B cells in long COVID patients are maintained for two years, similar to fully recovered individuals, offering insights into long-term immunity.

17 Sep 2024

SARS-CoV-2 exposure stabilizes BMI in infected adults while others see shifts

Real-world study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 infection influences body mass index, showing stable BMI in infected individuals while unexposed and pre-pandemic groups saw changes.

16 Sep 2024

Cardiovascular risks of COVID-19 antivirals

Study reviews cardiovascular side effects linked to antiviral therapies for COVID-19, highlighting the need for careful consideration when prescribing these drugs to high-risk patients.

16 Sep 2024

Australians with health conditions strongly advocate for ongoing COVID-19 safety measures

Study reveals that over half of Australians with underlying health conditions continue to support and follow COVID-19 mitigation measures, highlighting the ongoing public health concerns despite eased government mandates.

15 Sep 2024

NIH funds new research to combat emerging viruses

Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a five-year, $14 million per year grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to participate in a broad national effort to develop "plug-and-play" vaccines and antibody-based therapies against a wide range of emerging viruses. The grant is part of NIAID's new Research and Development of Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies for Pandemic Preparedness (ReVAMPP) Network, which was announced earlier today.

14 Sep 2024