A virus known as SARS-CoV found in corona virus genes have been found to cause sever respiratory syndrome. These types of viruses can infect animals and some are known to cause the common cold in people.

As when a person who has a common cold coughs or sneezes the SARS virus is spread into the air around them and anyone else near them. The virus can survive up to six hours on such things as tissues, surfaces that they land on and hands while the virus is wet and as long as three hours when the droplets dry.

SARS is a contagious virus and symptoms may occur from two to ten days after a person has been infected, it is also possible for a person to become reinfected. The symptoms can include a fever generally higher than 100.4 degrees, chills, muscles aching, headache and coughing. Other symptoms may be a sore throat, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and various respiratory problems.

Various test such as chest X-rays, a complete blood count or chest CT scan may be used to diagnose SARS.
Treatments can include antibiotics, large doses of steroids to aid in reducing inflammation of the lungs. Anyone who has been diagnosed with SARS should be hospitalized in isolation immediately and treated for the problem.