Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Treatment in India

Saanvi Davis, a 28-year-old elementary school...

Saanvi Davis, a 28-year-old elementary school teacher, was in her third trimester of pregnancy when she developed a persistent dry cough and fever. As a healthy, active person with no prior lung issues, she initially attributed it to a bad cold. However, her symptoms rapidly escalated over 48 hours to include severe shortness of breath, even at rest, and plummeting oxygen levels. Rushed to the hospital, a chest X-ray revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities. Her internal medicine physician, Dr. Chen, diagnosed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), likely a severe viral pneumonia, and recommended immediate hospitalization for high-flow oxygen therapy, antiviral medication, and close monitoring of both her and her baby's vitals. The treatment was terrifying; Saanvi felt claustrophobic with the oxygen mask and was consumed with fear for her unborn child. She spent five days in the hospital, with the medical team balancing aggressive respiratory support with fetal monitoring. Post-procedure, her oxygen levels gradually stabilized, and she was weaned off supplemental oxygen. After a week of home rest, she made a full recovery and later delivered a healthy baby boy at full term. Emotionally, she journeyed from initial denial and frustration to sheer terror during the acute phase, followed by profound gratitude for the medical team and a renewed, fierce protectiveness for her growing family.