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Medical Author:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Medical Editor:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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People in direct, close contact with someone who has had SARS are at greatest risk for infection. People with SARS or those at risk for SARS should follow the guidelines outlined below. The WHO and CDC have established guidelines to help in the prevention and spread of SARS.

• Limit time outside of the home. People with SARS should not go to work, school, child care facilities, or any public place until 10 days after their fever has ended and their respiratory symptoms are improving.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water, use an alcohol-based hand rub, or both, especially after being in contact with bodily fluids such as respiratory fluids or urine.
• Wear disposable gloves when in contact with bodily fluids from a person with SARS. After use, throw the gloves away immediately and thoroughly wash the hands.
• Wear a surgical mask.
• Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
• Do not share eating utensils, towels, or bedding. Thoroughly wash these items with soap and hot water after use by a person who is infected.
• Use a household disinfectant on any surface that may be contaminated, such as countertops or doorknobs. Wear disposable gloves while cleaning these surfaces.
• Follow these guidelines for at least 10 days after the symptoms have resolved.