Valoviirusi

Valoviirusi, also known as coronaviruses, are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The name "coronavirus" is derived from the Latin word "corona," meaning "crown," due to the appearance of the virus's spikes under an electron microscope, which resemble a crown.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. They belong to the family Coronaviridae and are classified into four genera: Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus, and Deltacoronavirus. The most well-known human coronaviruses are SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, which are responsible for the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.

Coronaviruses are typically transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. The incubation period for coronaviruses varies but is usually between 2 to 14 days.

Symptoms of coronavirus infection can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, or diarrhea. In severe cases, coronaviruses can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and even death.

Prevention measures for coronaviruses include frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Vaccines and antiviral medications are also available for some coronaviruses.