A 45-year-old woman from Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), a respiratory virus belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus. The patient is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata and is completely stabilized under the surveillance of medical professionals. The woman has been experiencing several health issues such as fever, cold, and cough for more than 15 days.
Even though HKU1 is not as deadly as other coronaviruses, we still need to take necessary precautions to avoid virus infection as it can cause significant respiratory issues in vulnerable individuals.
What is Human Coronavirus HKU1?
Human coronavirus HKU1 is a respiratory virus belonging to the Betacoronavirus, a distinct monophyletic group in the Coronavirinae subfamily. The species contains several strains of virus such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1), which caused the 2002–2004 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which caused COVID-19 pandemic.[1] However, HKU1 is generally associated with mild respiratory illnesses and is not of pandemic potential.
What are the Symptoms of HKU1?
The symptoms of a HKU1 infection are similar to that of a regular flu. The most common symptoms include persistent cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, blocked sinuses, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, and fever. In severe cases, the infection can lead to other health complications like pneumonia, shortness of breath, or bronchitis.
While mild cases resolve on their own, senior citizens, young children, and pregnant women, those with immuno-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities may experience more severe complications in case of HKU1 infection.
How does HKU1 Spread?
The mode of transmission of the virus from one body to another is the same as any other coronavirus. It is transmitted either via direct contact with the infected person or via respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing). Moreover, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose could also lead to infection.
Preventive Measures for HKU1
Even though there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HKU1, following basic hygiene and preventive measures could help us stay away from the infection.
Wash hands regularly, especially before eating food.
In case of symptoms like cough, cold, and fever, wear a mask to cover your mouth. [2]
Clean surfaces like doorknobs, and mobile screens frequently.
Wash hands with an alcohol-based drug repeatedly.
Avoid touching the nose, eyes, etc. with unwashed hands unnecessarily. [2]
1. Llanes, Alejandro, Carlos M. Restrepo, Zuleima Caballero, Sreekumari Rajeev, Melissa A. Kennedy, and Ricardo Lleonart. 2020. “Betacoronavirus Genomes: How Genomic Information Has Been Used to Deal with Past Outbreaks and the COVID-19 Pandemic.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21 (12). Accessed on March 18,2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21124546.
2. “Fortis Healthcare Ltd.” Fortis Healthcare. 2024. Accessed on March 18, 2025. https://www.fortishealthcare.com/blogs/coronavirus.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Jithin Paul/MSM)