The human coronavirus is found in common cold as well as serious infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome. Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. Seven coronaviruses can infect people and each one of them is deadly.
World Health Organization recommends people take simple precautions against the virus to reduce exposure and transmission:
- Frequently wash hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
- Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods
- Avoid travel to China, especially the Hubei province
