Coronaviruses are viruses, belonging to the subfamily Coronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae, that typically affect the respiratory tract of mammals and humans – they are associated with the common cold, pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The virus has also been known to affect the gut. Coronaviruses are responsible for roughly 30% of cases of the common cold, but infections can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Transmission:
Human coronaviruses likely spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, touching or shaking hands, touching an object or surface with germs on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
In the United States, people usually get infected with common human coronaviruses in the fall and winter. However, you can get infected at any time of the year.
Symptoms:
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, not unlike the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. Symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell
