A private hospital in South kolkata is treating a 45-year-old woman from Garia, kolkata, who has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1). She has had a cold, cough, and fever for the last 15 days, but according to the physicians, her status is stable. This virus can cause respiratory infections even though it is not as well-known as COVID-19. Although there's no need to panic, it's crucial to understand the risks and symptoms, according to medical professionals.

What Is Human coronavirus HKU1?
The SARS and MERS viruses are members of the Betacoronavirus family, which also contains the human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1).  However, HKU1 is typically linked to less severe respiratory conditions, in contrast to SARS-CoV-2, which induces COVID-19. Although it can occasionally result in more severe lung infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, the virus mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and causes symptoms akin to the common cold.

Symptoms of Human coronavirus HKU1

Most cases of HCoV-HKU1 resemble regular flu-like illnesses and include:

Persistent cough
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Sore throat
Fever
Sneezing
Fatigue
Headache
In severe cases: shortness of breath, pneumonia, or bronchitis
While mild cases resolve on their own, senior citizens, young children, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe complications.

Who Is At Risk?
Human coronavirus HKU1 is less well-known than COVID-19, although some populations are more susceptible to its effects:
 
Elderly people (those above 60).
Babies and young children.
People who suffer from long-term lung conditions like COPD or asthma.
Individuals with impaired immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those living with HIV/AIDS.
Those who suffer from underlying medical disorders like diabetes or heart disease.

HCoV-HKU1 often causes mild symptoms that resemble a seasonal cold in healthy adults, but if the infection worsens to pneumonia, those with compromised immune systems may need to be admitted to the hospital.

How Does It Spread?

Like other respiratory viruses, human coronavirus HKU1 spreads through:

Direct contact with infected respiratory droplets (e.g., coughing or sneezing)
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose
Close contact with an infected person

How to protect yourself?
Although there isn't a specific vaccine or antiviral medication for the human coronavirus HKU1, infection risk can be decreased by practicing good hygiene and taking preventative measures: Hands should be frequently washed for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas; stay away from people who are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infections; clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, cell phones, and doorknobs; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to stop the spread of droplets; and strengthen your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.
 
Should you be worried?
The patient in kolkata is being treated by doctors who have convinced her that her infection is an isolated incidence and does not signify an outbreak.  Because its symptoms are so similar to those of other seasonal respiratory illnesses, human coronavirus HKU1 is rarely tested for.
 
 
 
 
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SIBY JEYYA

17/03/2025 09:01 AM