Symptoms and Signs of SARS

Symptoms of SARS in order of frequency are

> Fever 38°or more (100%) (not so frequent in elderly or immuno compromised patients)
> Chills, rigor or both (73%)  
> Muscle pain (61%)  
> Cough (57%)  
> Headache (56%)  
> Dizziness (43%)  
> Sputum (30%)  
> Sore throat (23%)  
> Running nose (23%)  
> Nausea/vomiting (20%)  
> Diarrhoea (20%) *some outbreaks like Amoy Gardens had a much higher incidence of diarrhoea which may be related to the route of infection.

Chest x-ray in early stages show patchy infiltration "ground glass" appearance which may progress rapidly to diffuse whitening of the lung fields.

Serial x-rays will be done to assess the progress of the disease.

CT scan may show abnormalities in a patient with negative chest x-ray findings but with clinical symptoms of SARS. It is not recommended for initial investigation.