May 12, 2025

After the life-threatening Covid-19 pandemic, several strains of the coronavirus have still remained, impacting people throughout the world. These viruses cause mild respiratory-tract illness, similar to that of a common cold. Although they are highly treatable and do not cause much harm, they can lead to severe complications among vulnerable populations. 

Recently, a case of the human coronavirus was reported in Kolkata, raising concerns and questions about its appearance, symptoms, and dangers. In the article below, we shall throw light on everything you need to know about the human coronavirus, including its types, symptoms, prevention strategies and how it differs from Covid-19. 

What is Human Coronavirus?

Human Coronaviruses are very common and can affect anyone across the world. Some of the primary types include the HKU1 virus, the NL63 virus, the OC43 virus, and the 229E virus. Most people have been infected with either one or more of these viruses at least once in their lifetime. The illness is often short-lived and does not cause much harm. However, sometimes, if left untreated, these viruses can lead to lower respiratory tract illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia. 

What Causes Human Coronavirus Infections?

It usually spreads through contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or through respiratory transmissions. Although it primarily spreads in the cold season, it can circulate throughout the year in regions having vulnerable populations. Below are some of the common human coronavirus causes. 

• Respiratory Transmission: 

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, air droplets are released in the atmosphere. These droplets contain the virus which can affect anyone who inhales it, giving way to infection and illnesses. 

• Contaminated Surfaces: 

The virus can survive only for a limited period on surfaces; however, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes allows the virus to enter your body. 

• Close Contact with Infected Person:

Although you might not be aware of who is infected by the virus; maintaining close contact with such persons can increase the risk of you getting infected. Crowded places such as the market, railway station, etc. act as contributors to the transmission of the virus. 

Types of Human Coronaviruses

There are several types of human coronaviruses. To date, there have been seven kinds that have affected humans. The four primary kinds mentioned above usually cause mild respiratory illnesses, affecting the upper and the lower respiratory tracts.  

The remaining three kinds, on the other hand, can cause severe health complications and even lead to death. They include:

1. MERS-CoV 
2. SARS-CoV    
3. COVID-19 (also known as SARS-CoV-2)

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms vary based on the type of coronavirus you’re infected with. The four common types of human coronaviruses cause mild symptoms such as:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever
• A feeling of being unwell

Additionally, in some cases, people might also face illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis. 

The SARS-Cov virus causes symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Tiredness
• Difficulty breathing

In extreme cases, persons infected with the SARS-CoV virus may experience a lack of blood in the body, which could lead to death. 

The MERS-CoV virus causes symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Cough

It affected thousands of people in the Middle East in 2012, causing several deaths. Additionally, to date, there haven’t been any vaccines or drugs invented yet to cure the MERS-CoV virus. 

The SARS-CoV-2 virus also known as the COVID-19 virus causes symptoms like fever, cough, body aches, chills, difficulty breathing, sore throat, lack of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, etc. Although not everyone infected by the virus experienced all the symptoms, it still led to severe medical complications and even caused hundreds of deaths. Zenplus played a vital role during the pandemic, helping thousands of people with appropriate medical guidance and emergency care. 

How to Prevent Human Coronavirus Infections? 

As there are no set cures or vaccines for human coronaviruses, it is important to follow certain practices to eliminate the chances of contracting the infection. 

• Wash Hands Frequently: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water helps kill viruses present on your skin and prevent them from entering your body. 
• Avoid/Limit Touching Your Face: The virus enters the body through the nose, eyes, and mouth. Ensuring your hands are clean before touching your face helps prevent infection. 
• Wear Masks In Crowded Areas: The virus can spread through tiny droplets that are released in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Wearing a mask prevents you from inhaling those droplets, thereby protecting your contracting the virus.
• Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals: If you know of someone infected by the virus or is showing signs of respiratory illnesses, it is best to avoid close contact with them, especially in crowded settings. 
• Disinfected Surfaces Regularly: Disinfect regularly touched surfaces, such as table surfaces, doorknobs, remote controls, etc., to avoid the risk of contamination. 

Conclusion

Most people aren’t aware of the various human coronaviruses and the impact they have on one’s health. Creating awareness and ensuring timely consultations and treatment is important to prevent such infections from worsening. Additionally, due to the symptoms being similar to that of a common cold, there is a high chance of the infection going unnoticed. The human coronaviruses, although common, can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Therefore, ensure you take the right steps and follow the prevention tips properly to keep you and your family safe from the infection. 

FAQs

1. What is human coronavirus?

The human coronavirus is a group of viruses that cause mild respiratory issues and can affect people of all ages. Some types of human coronaviruses even cause serious diseases. 

2. How does the human coronavirus spread?

It spreads through close contact with infected people, respiratory transmission and through contaminated surfaces.

3. What are the common symptoms of human coronavirus?

Symptoms such as fever, body ache, runny nose, cough, headache and chills are very common when infected by the human coronavirus.