Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
The coronavirus is similar to the common influenza virus. Symptoms include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, similar to the common influenza virus, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. As contagious as the common influenza virus, coronavirus is transmitted via droplets (coughing or sneezing) and via contaminated surfaces.
