Symptoms Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Coughing

Since MERS is a respiratory illness, coughing is a major symptom, along with shortness of breath. This happens because the virus directly attacks the lungs. The severity of the coughing varies from person to person. It may be as mild as a common cold; on the other hand, some patients experience severe fluid buildup in the lungs that develops into pneumonia or adult respiratory distress syndrome. The latter, also known as ARDS, involves a severe lack of oxygen in the blood. Both pneumonia and ARDS are deadly complications that contribute to the high fatality rate of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The risk is augmented in individuals who have preexisting lung problems.

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