Basic Information for Pandemic

SARS-like pandemic, SARS & Influenza

1. SARS-like pandemic and SARS are all with the similar transmission routes but different clinical performances. The death rate for SARS is nearly 10% while there is at least 1% for SARS-like pandemic. 98% of the patients got SARS will be associated with fever and become communicable after fever comes. As to SARS-like pandemic, fever is not a must, almost half of the mild infections are asymptomatic, and it is communicable without fever and by asymptomatic.

2. SARS-like pandemic and influenza are far more contagious than SARS, while SARS has higher death rate than the two others.

About SARS-like pandemic

1. Transmission

SARS-like pandemic are mainly transmitted by droplets and contacts. For droplet infections, general surgical masks, frequent hand-washing and 2-meter-away are effective to prevent ourselves from being infected. Indirect contact infections are not so easy to prevent. SARS-like pandemic can be existed for 24 to 48 hours or even longer under abiotic environment.

2. Incubation period

The incubation period of SARS-like pandemic is 1 to 14 days (generally 4 to 5 days).

3. Symptom ratios

Nearly 50% of the patients were asymptomatic, 40% were mild infected while merely 10% of them were seriously infected.

For asymptomatic, the immunity itself will heal and work, while for those acute and worsen cases, the second week from their symptoms is the best time for rescue. Aeration or oxygenation facilities are supported to help patients.