About coronaviruses
Coronaviruses form a group of viruses that can cause a range of illnesses, such as the common cold and COVID-19. When coronaviruses have been around for many years, for example the common cold, humans build up a general immunity to them.
Animals can develop coronavirus-related illnesses too and sometimes those viruses can be passed on to humans. When this happens, the disease can be more severe because the human body has not had to fight the illness before. SARS, MERS and COVID-19 are examples of this happening in recent years.
Colds
A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Find out more about the common cold.
COVID-19
Health advice on COVID-19, including testing, symptoms, recovery, vaccination, antivirals and long COVID.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral disease that can cause severe pneumonia. Know what to do in a future outbreak.
MERS
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a coronavirus. It can cause fever, cough and shortness of breath. Find out more about MERS here.
