What is the human coronavirus HKU1 detected in a woman in Kolkata?

A 45-year-old woman in the West Bengal capital, Kolkata, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus or HKU1.

According to a report, the woman had been suffering from a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days.

At the moment, she is in a private hospital in South Kolkata under medical monitoring, and her condition is stable.

The hospital has said that this is an isolated case.

However, they have advised staying cautious and preventing its spread.

Here’s all we know about the virus.

What is human coronavirus HKU1?

Human coronavirus HKU1, commonly known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense, is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system.

It was first discovered in 2005 and is part of the same family as SARS, MERS, and Covid-19 , as per The Times of India.

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HKU1 (Hong Kong University) can affect both humans and animals.

Common human coronaviruses (HCoVs), a class of viruses different from COVID-19 that have been circulating in human populations for decades, have come back into the spotlight as a result of the case.

Even though they are not thought to be harmful, they still cause seasonal respiratory infections and need to be addressed, especially in the fall and winter months when these illnesses are more common.

Also read: Is HMPV similar to Covid-19? Should you be worried?

How is it different from Covid-19?

Common human coronaviruses, including NL63, OC43, HKU1, and 229E, are not to be confused with Covid-19. Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.

In contrast to Covid-19, a novel virus, HKU1 is typically a milder form of respiratory illness and does not have the potential to produce a pandemic, according to reports.

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Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, tells The Indian Express that coronaviruses are of several kinds, and COVID-19 was a novel virus that caused the global pandemic, bringing the world to a halt. Unlike COVID, HKU1 is not a novel virus and most people come in contact with it at some point in their lives, which lasts for a limited period.

“So there is no need to panic over it," he said.

What are its symptoms?

HKU1’s symptoms are similar to regular flu symptoms.

These include runny nose, fever, coughing, wheezing, headache and sore throat, as per US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, in some cases, especially when left untreated, human coronavirus can result in bronchiolitis and pneumonia, since it infects cells along the airways, it can descend to the lungs.

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How is it transmitted?

The virus spreads like other coronaviruses.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air, and contaminated surfaces are touched before the sick person’s face, mouth, or nose is touched.

Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immune-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be cautious of its severity.

Also read: New XEC COVID variant spreads across the world: How contagious is it?

How can it be prevented?

Human coronaviruses do not have a vaccine or particular treatment. However, symptom management can facilitate a comfortable recovery.

It is a self-limiting illness that goes away on its own.

Another option is to bring back the Covid time regimen, which entails stringent guidelines like washing your hands, wearing a mask in crowded places, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, avoiding touching your face if your hands are dirty, eating healthily, and drinking plenty of water.

To lessen fever and sore throat, doctors advise rest, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs.

Congestion can also be reduced by taking a hot shower or using a room humidifier.

However, if your symptoms worsen or you do not feel better in a few days, it is advised to consult your doctor.

With inputs from agencies

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