Groshan Fabiola

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a form of atypical pneumonia that generates serious impairments at pulmonary level. Although no one can deny the seriousness of SARS, the over-promoted denatured ideas and misconceptions regarding the syndrome can be easily dismissed by taking a look over the facts. The catalyst for the wide range of exaggerations that revolve around the concept of SARS remains unknown. However, the media had a great contribution in triggering and augmenting the mass hysteria generated by the global over-promotion of the syndrome.

The news about SARS endemics in Asia and the later outbreaks in the United States have rapidly become popular all around the world due to exaggerated implication of the mass-media, which caused a pronounced state of panic worldwide. As if this wasn't enough, the media had quickly introduced various exacerbated rumors and suppositions into the overall picture, generating even more panic and confusion among the masses. Inappropriately referred to as "super pneumonia" or "killer pneumonia", SARS is in fact a treatable and even preventable form of pneumonia that has caused far less victims in Asia and the U.S. than it was initially stipulated by the media.

Due to the inaccuracy of the information promoted by the media, people have quickly assimilated the idea that the so called "super pneumonia" is a deadly malady with mysterious causes. These beliefs are far from the actual truth. Medical scientists have revealed that the primary cause of SARS is infection with strains of paramyxoviruses, viral organisms that are also responsible for causing influenza, commonly referred to as the flu. Judging by this aspect, "super pneumonia" is nothing more than a form of complicated flu. In addition, SARS has caused far less victims than common seasonal flu epidemics account for each year. Research results indicate that SARS accounted for around 50 deaths among 1500 people afflicted during the outbreak in China.

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Medical reports also reveal that there were less than 40 overall cases of SARS in the United States. Not a single death was reported among patients with SARS in the United States. By contrast, influenza accounts for thousands of deaths in the United States and worldwide each year. Furthermore, there are over 50 types of pneumonia that are capable of causing death. Compared to SARS, there are up to 20 forms of atypical pneumonia with a considerably higher killing potential, accounting for more than 40.000 annual deaths among the American population.

If you are wondering how contagious SARS really is, the answer is easily revealed by the previously mentioned statistics. Yet again, compared to the highly contagious character of common flu, which affects millions of Americans each year, the transmissibility of SARS can be considered a negligible factor. As for the idea that SARS can't be treated with the existent means of treatment, medical scientists have proved the exact opposite: SARS is a highly treatable form of pneumonia. However, prompt medical intervention is required when dealing with this type of pneumonia. Similar to all types of pneumonia, SARS requires immediate medical treatment and proper medical care.

As a conclusion, it is advised not to pay attention to every rumor promoted by the mass-media. Considering the fact that the media would do virtually anything to boost their ratings, it is best to think twice before assimilating doubtful claims and ideas.