What should I do if exposed to SARS?

For individuals traveling to affected areas
The CDC advises that people planning elective or nonessential travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, Singapore, and Hanoi, Vietnam may wish to postpone their trips until further notice. CDC also has issued a travel alert for Toronto, Canada, to recommend that U.S. travelers to Toronto observe precautions to safeguard their health. For example, Major League Baseball has recommended that teams traveling to Toronto for games stay out of crowded public areas, public transportation such as buses and trains, and shopping malls.

For people who think they may be infected with SARS
People with symptoms of SARS (fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C] accompanied by a cough and/or difficulty breathing) should consult a health-care provider. To help the health-care provider make a diagnosis, tell them about any recent travel to places where SARS has been reported or whether there was contact with someone who had these symptoms.

For family members caring for people infected with SARS
The CDC has developed interim infection control recommendations for patients with suspected SARS in the household. These basic precautions should be followed for 10 days after respiratory symptoms and fever are gone. During that time, SARS patients are asked to limit interactions outside the home (not go to work, school, or other public areas).

For individuals in a health care setting
Transmission of SARS to health-care workers appears to have occurred after close contact with sick people before recommended infection control precautions were put into use. CDC has issued interim infection control recommendations for health-care settings as well as for the management of exposures to SARS in health-care and other institutional settings.

While SARS is becoming a growing concern, there is no need for panic. By taking a few simple precautions and staying aware of the most current information, we can stay healthy. Again, if you have any fever, respiratory symptoms, have traveled to affected areas or just have questions, contact your health care provider.