Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

- What? Me Worry?

Anxiety Reactions to SARS

What you can do

 

Anxiety Reactions to SARS

Many people are very concerned about the current SARS outbreak in Singapore. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS is an atypical pneumonia, which is caused by organisms that are not so easily identifiable, and the consequences of the infection can often be more severe. The impact and scale of SARS have caused many to be anxious about their children's safety in schools. Parents felt reassured when the Ministry of Education had announced that schools (from preschool to Junior College) would be closed from March 27th through April 6th, as a precautionary measure. However, some staff still have concerns about their well-being in the workplace.

Although most of us experience feelings of anxiety in our lives, one time or another, excessive anxiety minimizes our abilities to focus and may negatively affect our social relationships and work productivity.
Common Anxiety Symptoms to SARS

As well as experiencing feelings such as persistent or overwhelming worries and fear, you may also experience some of the following reactions:
Tense muscles Restlessness Churning Stomach Nausea
Headaches Backaches Sweating / Flushing Problems Sleeping

Heart palpitations

Difficulties Concentrating

Numbness in arms, hands or legs
What You Can Do to Manage Anxiety

  1. Be aware of SARS and its symptoms: Transmission is likely due to close contact (e.g. living with, or touching the infected person). Symptoms include high fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, aching muscles and headaches.

  2. Avoid traveling to SARS affected countries (e.g. China, Hong Kong, Taiwan) for the time being until the situation has stabilized. If you have to travel to these destinations for whatever reasons, please consult your company doctor for medical assistance.

  3. Avoid crowded places. Stay away from people who are sneezing and coughing openly.

  4. Wash your hands frequently to reduce your risk of picking up the virus.

  5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly, eat wisely and keep your stress levels low.

  6. Anxiety can be exhausting and debilitating. Contact Centre for Effective Living (Tel:6338 3383) to speak to your EAP Consultant if you experience consistent anxiety reactions, or if you like information about helping someone who has been anxious about SARS.

Alternatively, you can email us at admin@livingeffectively.com.  


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