This post is about coronavirus types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 causing mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it has nothing to do with the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the COVID-19 epidemic. Although the latter may eventually become less severe, if functional immunity beefs up our defenses. And then become the fifth in the set of common coronaviruses we discuss here.
Common Symptoms and Transmission of Common Coronaviruses
The four common coronaviruses may spread from an infected individual through coughing and sneezing. They may also transfer from close interpersonal contact like hugging, kissing, touching, shaking hands, or via a commonly touched object such as a bathroom tap. Symptoms similar to COVID-19 include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough, or generally feeling unwell.
There is no vaccine available to protect us from the four common coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. Healing usually occurs naturally. However, pain and fever medication may be helpful. A sore throat / cough can also be relieved by a humidifier or a hot shower. Other than that, the infected person should stay at home, rest up, and take plenty of liquids.
Where Did 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 Come From?
Both human viruses HcoV-229E and HcoV-NL63 likely crossed over from bats. NL63 contains genomes from two older viruses and therefore appears to be a recombinant version. OC43 would likely have come from a bat, a mouse, or a domestic animal according to International Journal of Biological Sciences. While HKU1 relates to both OC43 and the mouse hepatitis virus.
Zoonotic infections from animals like these have included Ebola, Salmonellosis, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, Rabies, and Spanish Flu. Human immune systems have no onboard answers for new viral diseases. These increasingly link to deforestation, hunting wild animals, and bush meat.
We are fortunate so many zoonotic diseases cause mild symptoms like 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. We posted this article to help you know whether you may have COVID-19, or just another coronavirus. If you have common coronavirus symptoms PLUS an upper -to-lower gastro-intestinal infection, then you could be wise to take a test.
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