What are coronavirus infections?
Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses. They are named for the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Some coronaviruses only affect animals, but others can also affect humans. Most people get infected with human coronaviruses at some time in their life. This usually causes mild to moderate upper-respiratory infections, like the common cold. But they can also cause more severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
There are several different types of human coronaviruses, including the MERS and SARS viruses.
How are coronavirus infections spread?
Human coronaviruses usually spread from an infected person to others through
The air by coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
Rarely, feces (poop)
Who is at risk for coronavirus infections?
Anyone can get a coronavirus infection, but young children are most likely to get infected. In the United States, infections are more common in the fall and winter.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus infections?
The symptoms depend on the type of coronavirus and how serious the infection is. If you have a mild to moderate upper-respiratory infection such as the common cold, your symptoms may include
Runny nose
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Fever
Not feeling well overall
Some coronaviruses can cause severe symptoms. The infections may turn into bronchitis and pneumonia, which cause symptoms such as
Fever, which may be quite high if you have pneumonia
Cough with mucus
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or tightness when you breathe and cough
Severe infections are more common in people with heart or lung diseases, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.
How are coronavirus infections diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, your health care provider will
Take your medical history, including asking about your symptoms
Do a physical exam
May do blood tests
May do lab tests of sputum, a sample from a throat swab, or other respiratory specimens
What are the treatments for coronavirus infections?
There are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections. Most people will get better on their own. However, you can relieve your symptoms by
Taking over-the-counter medicines for pain, fever, and cough. However, do not give aspirin to children. And do not give cough medicine to children under four.
Using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking fluids
If you are worried about your symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Can coronavirus infections be prevented?
Right now, there aren't any vaccines to prevent human coronavirus infections. But you may able to reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection by
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoiding touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Then throw away the tissue and wash your hands
Staying home when sick
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
