Human Coronavirus HKU1
19.03.2025
Human Coronavirus HKU1
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For Prelims: About Human Coronavirus HKU1, Difference between HKU1 and COVID-19 |
Why in the news?
A 45-year-old woman from Garia, Kolkata, has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1).
About Human Coronavirus HKU1:
- Human coronavirus HKU1 is also known as Betacoronavirus hongkonense. It is a species of coronavirus that can affect both humans and animals.
- Origin: It was first identified in 2004 by researchers at Hong Kong University, which is how it got its name.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of HKU1 include a runny nose, fever, coughing, wheezing, headache, and sore throat. While symptoms are usually mild, untreated cases can sometimes lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
- Transmission: It is transmitted during direct contact with the infected person via respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing), touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose.
- Vulnerability: The disease is self-limiting and resolves on its own. But vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immuno-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be vigilant for severe manifestation of the disease.
- Treatment: There is no vaccine or specific treatment for human coronaviruses. Most infected individuals get better on their own.
Difference between HKU1 and COVID-19:
- HKU1 and COVID-19 are both caused by coronaviruses, but HKU1 is less severe than Covid-19.
- HKU1 is one of the four endemic human coronaviruses that cause common cold, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus that can cause severe respiratory illness and has caused a global pandemic.
Source: Indian Express
Consider the following statements regarding Human Coronavirus HKU1:
1. HKU1 is a species of coronavirus that can affect both humans and animals..
2. Unlike COVID-19, HKU1 has a vaccine available and can be treated with antiviral medications.
3. HKU1 is primarily associated with mild respiratory infections, but in vulnerable groups, it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A.Only one
B.Only two
C.Only three
D.All four
Answer B