Between late 2000 and 2010, Canada faced an epidemic of infectious diseases (SARS and H1N1). Both cause respiratory diseases but differ in a variety of properties. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease that first occurred in Singapore and parts of Asia, North America and Europe in late 2002 and 2003. H1N1, on the other hand, it is known as swine flu (because people who caught it have had direct contact with pigs in the past); It is known to infect the respiratory tract of pigs, causing nasal discharge and other flu-like symptoms common in animals. Causes of SARS and H1N1 SARS is caused by a type of coronavirus (a common virus that causes an infection in the nose, sinuses, or upper throat); affects the respiratory system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay While H1N1, on the other hand, is thought to have originated in pigs. Before the SARS outbreak, coronaviruses were particularly dangerous to humans, although they were known to cause serious illness in animals. It was first recognized in 2003. H1N1 was discovered by humans in 2009 following a pandemic (an epidemic of a disease worldwide or in an entire country). How SARS and H1N1 spread H1N1 is known to last about three to seven days, if there are more serious infections they would last longer for about nine or ten days. This disease is very contagious and spreads through saliva and mucus particles. Common methods of spread include sneezing, coughing, and touching the surface of the germ. SARS transmission, on the other hand, occurs through close person-to-person contact via kissing, hugging, sharing food and drinking utensils. Compared to H1N1, SARS does not spread easily from person to person, it only manifests itself by coming into contact with an infected individual. Symptoms of SARS are that patients may experience diarrhea and after 2-7 days they may develop a dry cough. Other symptoms include; dizziness, nausea, vomiting, runny nose and sore throat. However, a specific symptom of SARS has not yet been found. Symptoms of H1N1 usually occur about 3 to 10 days after infection and include chills, fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, etc. As the SARS disease spread across Canada, so did its political, sociological and economic repercussions. The SARS epidemic in Toronto occurred in two waves: March to April and April to July 2003. Between February and September 2003, Health Canada reported 438 probable or suspected cases of SARS resulting in 43 deaths, including 1 in the Toronto metropolitan area. Hospitals were unable to cope with the huge surge of patients and cost the healthcare system about $2 million. Treatments So far there is no confirmed treatment that works for every person with SARS. Antiviral drugs and steroids are sometimes given to reduce lung swelling, but they are not effective for everyone. In most cases, treatment for H1N1 is only relief from symptoms. If you have a respiratory illness, your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve your symptoms. In conclusion, researchers are currently working on a vaccine for SARS. Because there is no treatment or cure for SARS, it is important to take as many precautions as possible. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Some of the.