Coronavirus/COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Spotting & Preventing Coronavirus

Common human coronaviruses, including types 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1, usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. This information applies to common human coronaviruses and should not be confused with coronavirus disease 2019 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus).

Symptoms of common human coronaviruses:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• headache
• fever
• cough
• a general feeling of being unwell

Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.

Preventing viral respiratory infections

Protecting yourself from getting sick

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid close contact with people who are sick

Protecting others when you are sick

• stay home while you are sick
• avoid close contact with others
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces

Treatment for common human coronaviruses

There is no vaccine to protect you against human coronaviruses and there are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. However, to relieve your symptoms you can:

• take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give aspirin to children)
• use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease
• a sore throat and cough
• drink plenty of liquids
• stay home and rest

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If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

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