The SARS epidemic of 2002-2004, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), affected over 8,000 people globally. Research into the long-term effects of SARS has been done, although the number of studies and participants is limited compared to COVID-19.
Some documented complications from SARS include reduced lung function, persistent cough and exercise intolerance. Some people also went on to experience physical weakness, fatigue and musculoskeletal issues.
However the term ‘long SARS’ hasn’t gained the same recognition as ‘long COVID’. The concept of long COVID refers to the persistent symptoms experienced by some people after recovering from COVID-19. The symptoms can range from fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath to joint pain and organ dysfunction.
While long COVID has received a lot of attention and research, the term ‘long SARS’ isn’t commonly used to describe similar long-term effects associated with SARS survivors. The SARS epidemic occurred over a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic and the research landscape has evolved significantly since then.
The increased focus on long COVID has led to a greater recognition of the long-term effects of viral respiratory illnesses, and the need for further investigation into their mechanisms and potential treatments.
Continued research efforts are needed to better understand and support the health and well-being of people who have survived viral respiratory illnesses like SARS. For now, it’s difficult to make the same comparison to long COVID, although research does suggest that people have experienced some long-term symptoms, particularly fatigue.
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Asked by: Izabella Acevedo, via email
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