Don’t let SARS get in the way of your summer travel plans. With a few precautions and common sense, travel can be safe and not filled with panic.

What is SARS?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory illness that has affected many countries in Asia, North America and Europe. Evidence strongly supports that this new disease is cause by the coronavirus.

What are symptoms of SARS?

Initially SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4 F (38.0 degC). Other early symptoms include headache, body aches, fatigue and mild respiratory complaints. Then, after 2 to 7 day, SARS patients develop a dry cough and breathing problems.

How is SARS spread?

SARS is spread primarily by direct person-to-person contact. In particular, touching infectious droplets or secretions of another person (such as on their skin or contaminated objects) and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. This can happen if someone with SARS coughs or sneezes on others or nearby surfaces.

Prevention

There is no vaccine against SARS, and the treatment of SARS is somewhat limited. Therefore, prevention is paramount. Here are some recommendations:

1. Postpone elective or nonessential travel to those areas having an epidemic. The WHO and CDC organizations frequently issue and update travel alerts where epidemics are in progress. If you develop symptoms suspicious of SARS while traveling in epidemic areas, your re-entry into Singapore may be delayed until medical clearance is given.

2. If traveling in a SARS affected area, avoid close contact with large numbers of people as much as possible to minimize risk of infection. Also wash hands after contact with other people or when using public facilities. The CDC does not recommend routine use of mask or protective equipment in public areas. However, a mask (N 95 or similar type) is recommended if you plan to visit a hospital (or clinic) that may be treating SARS patients or if you are in a high-risk occupation (hospital-based employees).

3. Above all else, if you develop a high fever, body aches, respiratory complaints or any other ill-defined symptoms, then see your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your condition, and if necessary, issue a letter attesting to your fitness and safety for flying.

If you have any questions concerning SARS, it is important to check with your local health authorities since regulations and recommendations about the SARS scourge are changing frequently as more information becomes available.