How long does it take for symptoms of SARS to appear?
Usually it takes 2-7 days for a person to develop symptoms after being infected with the SARS virus. In some cases it may take as long as 10 days. How is SARS spread? SARS is primarily spread by close contact with a person infected with the SARS virus. When a person who is ill with SARS coughs or sneezes, the virus can be spread through the air. When someone else breathes in the virus they can become infected. Touching surfaces or other items contaminated by the virus may also spread SARS. The SARS virus may also be present in the feces of an infected person. Therefore, in addition to covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent and thorough hand washing is absolutely necessary to prevent the spread of SARS. Who can get SARS? Anyone can become infected with the virus that causes SARS. Individuals who are at greatest risk for SARS are people who have direct, close contact with an infected person, such as those sharing a home with a SARS patient and health care workers providin
