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• SARS is thought to spread by droplet infection or by faecal contamination.



• Infection occurs either from contaminated droplets or from contaminated hands contacting mouth, nasal passages, or eyes.



• Droplet infection is likely within 3 feet of infected patients.



• A small percentage of patients are 'hypersecretors' who are highly infectious.



• The virus can survive on uncleaned surfaces for at up to 24 hours.



• The virus may be excreted in the faeces for several weeks following resolution of other symptoms.



• Radiological procedures that involve direct patient contact or close proximity to patients involve the greatest risk.



• Patients may be infective without symptoms though in general the more severe the symptoms the greater the degree of viral shedding.



• Double pathology and a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations are not uncommon.