LAB TEST
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses. Infection with these viruses generally causes mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses cause severe illness that can lead to pneumonia, and even death.
Causes
There are many different coronaviruses. They affect both humans and animals. Common human coronaviruses cause mild to moderate illnesses, such as the common cold . Some animal coronaviruses evolve (mutate) and are passed from animals to humans. They may then spread through person-to-person contact. The coronaviruses…
Symptoms
Human coronaviruses that cause the common cold spread from person-to-person. Symptoms develop in 2 to 14 days. These include: Runny nose Sore throat Sneezing Nasal congestion Fever, often with chills Headache Body aches Cough Exposure to MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe symptoms. These include:…
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider may take a sample of the following for laboratory testing: Nasal swab (from the nostrils) or throat swab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses Blood tests Sputum culture Stool and urine samples may also be taken in some cases. You may need further testing…
Treatment
At this time, there is no specific treatment for coronavirus infection except for SARS-CoV-2. For a coronavirus infection not due to SARS-CoV-2, medicines are given only to ease your symptoms. Experimental treatments are sometimes used in severe cases. Mild coronavirus infections, such as the common cold, will go away…
Outlook (Prognosis)
Common colds due to coronavirus usually resolve on their own. Severe coronavirus infections may require hospitalization and breathing support. Rarely, certain severe coronavirus infections may lead to death, especially in older people, children, or people with chronic conditions.
Possible Complications
Coronavirus infections may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Some severe forms may cause organ failure, and even death. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to long COVID (also called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19) in some people.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have: Come in contact with a person with a severe coronavirus infection Travelled to a place which had an outbreak of a coronavirus infection and have developed common cold symptoms, shortness of breath, nausea, or diarrhea
Prevention
Follow these steps to lower your risk of infection: Avoid contact with people who have coronavirus infection. Avoid travelling to places that have an outbreak of coronavirus infection. Wash your hands properly or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not…
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. About COVID-19. www.cdc.gov/covid/about/ . Updated June13, 2024. Accessed August 21, 2024. Havers FP, Kirking H, Plumb ID. PRE-2019 coronaviruses. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 334. Perlman S,…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 22/02/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.