SARS Symptoms

Symptoms of SARS can be similar to those of other viral infections. The first symptoms begin 2-7 days after exposure and may include the following: 

• Fever (temperature of more than 100.4°F)
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Fatigue (tiredness)
  
  
• Muscle aches and pain
  
  
• Malaise (a feeling of general discomfort)
  
  
• Decreased appetite
  
  
• Diarrhea 

Respiratory symptoms develop 3 or more days after exposure. Respiratory symptoms include the following: 

• Dry cough
  
  
• Shortness of breath
  
  
• Runny nose and sore throat (uncommon)  

By day 7-10 of the illness, almost all patients with laboratory evidence of SARS infection had pneumonia that could be detected on x-ray films.