AS hundreds of people around China have been infected by the virus, you may want to know more about this mysterious illness. Here are some facts.

What is the disease?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses named after their appearance, a crown, said Dr. Mark Rupp, an infectious disease expert at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the United States.

There are many types and a few are known to infect humans. Some cause colds and respiratory illnesses, while others have evolved into illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

SARS began in China and infected some 8,000 people during a 2002-2003 outbreak. Approximately 770 people died after it spread to other cities and countries.

“This is the third kind of novel coronavirus that we’re having experience with that can cause lower respiratory tract disease,” Rupp said Tuesday.

In some rare cases, the virus can be transmitted from animals to humans, but it is typically transferred during contact between humans.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include headaches, a runny nose, fever, sore throat and cough. Human coronaviruses can result in lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

Symptoms for SARS and MERS are much more severe than for common coronaviruses. Both cause respiratory problems.

Those infected with MERS may also feel fatigued, experience shortness of breath and could develop kidney failure.

About three or four out of 10 people that were reported to have MERS have died, according to U.S. official statistics.

How is the virus spread?

Coronaviruses are commonly spread through the air by coughing and sneezing or personal contact such as shaking hands or touching. Another way the virus is spread is through touching objects with the virus on the surface and then touching yourself.

People typically get infected during the fall and winter months but it is not uncommon for infections to occur in the spring and summer.

How to treat it?

There is no vaccine so far for human coronaviruses, and most people will recover on their own.

A room humidifier or hot shower can relieve a sore throat and cough. Mildly sick patients should drink liquids and rest as much as possible.

Worse symptoms should be checked out by a doctor.

Prevention

Doctors recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoiding close contact with people will reduce the chances of infection. Those infected should stay home and avoid human-to-human contact, especially crowds.(SD-Agencies)