Kolkata Woman Diagnosed With Human Coronavirus HKU1—Symptoms And Risks To Watch Out For (Image Credits: iStock)
A 45-year-old woman from Garia, Kolkata, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) and is receiving treatment at a private hospital in South Kolkata. She had been suffering from a fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days, but doctors say her condition is stable. While this virus is not as well-known as COVID-19, it can still cause respiratory infections. Health experts say there is no need to panic, but it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and risks.
What Is Human Coronavirus HKU1?
Human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1) belongs to the Betacoronavirus family, the same group that includes the SARS and MERS viruses. However, unlike SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, HKU1 is generally associated with milder respiratory illnesses. The virus primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to the common cold, though it can sometimes lead to more serious lung infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Symptoms of Human Coronavirus HKU1
Most cases of HCoV-HKU1 resemble regular flu-like illnesses and include:
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Sore throat
Fever
Sneezing
Fatigue
Headache
In severe cases: shortness of breath, pneumonia, or bronchitis
While mild cases resolve on their own, senior citizens, young children, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe complications.
Who Is at Risk?
Though human coronavirus HKU1 is not as widely discussed as COVID-19, certain groups are more vulnerable to its effects:
Senior citizens (above 60).
For healthy adults, HCoV-HKU1 usually causes mild symptoms similar to a seasonal cold, but those with weakened immune systems may require hospitalization if the infection progresses to pneumonia.
How Does It Spread?
Like other respiratory viruses, human coronavirus HKU1 spreads through:
Direct contact with infected respiratory droplets (e.g., coughing or sneezing)
How to Protect Yourself
While there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for human coronavirus HKU1, following basic hygiene and preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk areas
- Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory infections
- Sanitize frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, mobile phones, and countertops
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent droplet spread
- Boost immunity by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest.
Should You Be Worried?
Doctors treating the Kolkata patient have assured that her infection is an isolated case and does not indicate an outbreak. While human coronavirus HKU1 is not new, it is rarely tested for because its symptoms closely resemble other seasonal respiratory infections.
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