Coronavirus, also known as Covertoviridae, is the most common virus to cause the illness parainfluenza. The virus that causes the illness is highly contagious, spreading from person to person through secretions from the nose. People who are frequently exposed to large amounts of people with high-risk factors for colds and other respiratory illnesses such as people with weak immune systems or those who are undergoing chemotherapy usually catch the infection. Symptoms of Coronavirus include flu-like symptoms including cough, sore throat, fever, headache and body aches, irregular heartbeats, vomiting, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Although symptoms of Covertoviridae are similar to those of a cold or influenza, the incubation period of the virus is much longer and may not be visible in the open after contracting the illness.
Coronaviruses are categorized into two: acute and chronic. Acute Coronaviruses cause short-term fever and mild to moderate body ache; they often do not produce any recognizable symptoms. Chronic Coronaviruses cause very severe cold-like symptoms and death within a week after the onset of the infection. Many researchers believe that the majority of severe acute infections are caused by strains of the common cold or influenza.
It is not clear why the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, is the same virus that causes Coronavirus. However, research indicates that the family, which includes strains of the cold virus, are closely related to the herpes simplex virus. Both cause fever, rash, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms. It is not clear whether the family causes more severe respiratory infections like colds and the flu or if the cold causes the Coronaviruses to go into remission. In either case, understanding the role that Coronaviruses plays in the respiratory system helps researchers determine how to best treat the infection and prevent future outbreaks.