How To Prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Avoid Contact With Infected Individuals

To reduce the transmission of SARS and similar viruses, patients are advised to avoid contact with infected individuals. This is one of the most important steps to take in the prevention of airborne infections. Experts recommend SARS patients to isolate themselves. Ideally, other people should not visit someone with SARS and similar viruses until they have been free of symptoms for a minimum of ten days. If contact with sick individuals cannot be avoided, facemasks and disposable gloves should be worn during all visits, and any infected surfaces or materials such as towels, bedding, or eating utensils should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.