CORONAVIRUS

 Coronaviruses are types of viruses that typically affect the respiratory tract of mammals, including humans. They are associated with the common cold, pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and can also affect the gut.

A coronavirus was first isolated in 1937 from an infectious bronchitis virus in birds that has the ability to seriously devastate poultry stocks.

These viruses are responsible for between 15 and 30 percent of common colds.

Over the last 70 years, scientists have found that coronaviruses can infect mice, rats, dogs, cats, turkeys, horses, pigs, and cattle. Most recently, authorities identified a coronavirus outbreak in China that has now reached other countries.

Fast facts on coronaviruses

• There is no cure for the common cold.
• A coronavirus causes both SARS and MERS.
• Coronaviruses infect many different species.
• There are seven known human coronaviruses.
• SARS spread from China to cause infection in 37 countries, killing 774 people.

Symptoms include:

• sneezing
• a runny nose
• fatigue
• a cough
• in rare cases, fever
• a sore throat
• exacerbated asthma

There is no cure, so treatments include taking care of yourself and over-the-counter (OTC) medication:

• Rest and avoid overexertion.
• Drink enough water.
• Avoid smoking and smoky areas.
• Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and fever.
• Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.