Laboratory tests can detect human coronavirus infection. There are no specific treatments for diseases caused by human coronaviruses, although researchers are exploring a treatment option for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus that uses a combination of ribavirin and interferon-alpha 2b, two licensed antivirals used routinely to treat viral infections such as hepatitis C.
If you are diagnosed with coronavirus infection, you should consider the following:
Most people with common coronavirus illness will recover naturally. To assist with recovery, take pain relief and fever medicine, use a humidifier or take hot showers to relieve coughing and sore throat pain, drink plenty of liquids, and stay home and rest.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
Last Updated November 22, 2013
Last Reviewed October 28, 2013