HKU1 Virus Case Reported in Kolkata: Should You Be Worried?
Case Reported
On October 10, 2023, a woman aged 45 from a southern Kolkata private hospital was confirmed to have a rare coronavirus of human origin, HKU1. The lady’s condition is currently stable as per doctors.
What Is Human Coronavirus HKU1?
HKU1 belongs to a virus type that damages your lung and respiratory system. Like the other members of its family SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 it attacks other tissues as well. It has been circulating in the globe since 2005. However, HKU1 is not usually considered as deadly as these strains of virus.
There are many types of coronaviruses according to Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant in internal medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.HKU1 was not a new virus, unlike COVID-19 when it was isolated in 2005. Presumed to have evolved in the human population, the only known host. Most people at some point in life become infected with HKU1 but the experience is usually short-lived and not very severe. So there are no grounds for any panic regarding this virus.
Symptoms of Human Coronavirus HKU1
The features or manifestations of HKU1 resemble those of the common cold or flu which
include:
Weakness or tiredness
Persistent cough
Running or blocking the nose
Stuffy sinuses.
Sore throat
Headaches
Low-grade fever
Sometimes the infection can become serious and lead to pneumonia or bronchitis.
Thus the transiting virus can affect the airways and also enter into the lungs, restricting the ability to breathe.
How is HKU1 transmitted?
It also happens like common flu or colds and is easily transmissible by some means.
1. Coughing and sneezing: If a person with this infection coughs near you or sneezes that person may release the virus in fine droplets straight into your body causing the infection to spread.
2. Touching contaminated surfaces: That virus can be active on surfaces like doorknobs, mobile phones and table tops. As you touch on these sources and at a later time touch your face, nose, mouth, or eyes, you risk transmission of the virus to yourself.
3. Prolonged close contact: Breathing the same air more hours next to an infected individual, however, increases the chances of acquiring such a virus.
Who’s at Risk?
HKU1 is considered a benign illness with very few fatal cases; hence the general population along with some poorer risk groups is primarily susceptible to acquiring serious illness:
Elderly Patients
Children
Pregnant women
Immuno-compromised patients
Patients whose comorbid conditions included diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions.
Special care needs to be taken with and for these groups; presenting with serious symptoms requires prompt medical attention.
Safety Precaution
HKU1 is not vaccinated nor is there a specific treatment for it and simple measures can help prevent infection.
Wash hands frequently: Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Keep the mask in crowded places: Hard inhalation of droplets containing viruses
thereby blocking the way.
Do not touch the face: Fingers can allow entrance to the body through the eyes,
nose and mouth.
Keep your distance from ill persons: Keep a distance from anyone coughing or
sneezing.
Eat a healthy diet: Good immunity is needed to effectively fight the disease.
Conclusion
HKU1 is yet another human coronavirus responsible for mild illness like a cold. Most individuals usually recover quickly from it and some groups at risk must be cautious.A few standards of hygiene and safety can reduce the risk of infection in an individual and help him stay healthy.
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