Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Meaning . The SARS virus is related to other viruses that cause common colds and diarrhea. Most respiratory illnesses, including SARS, spread through droplets that enter the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. Department of Health | Severe acute respiratory syndrome ... (Kevin Daniels) Transmission of SARS-CoV is primarily from person to person. A form of pneumonia due to infection by a coronavirus () characterized by fever, myalgia, lethargy. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a rapidly spreading, potentially fatal infectious viral disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronawars (SARS-CoVWars or SARSr-CoVWars) is a species of coronavirus that infects humans, bats and certain other mammals. Respiratory failure means you cannot breathe well enough to get oxygen to the cells of your body. Coronavirus & Your Respiratory System ...