Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause a range of illnesses in humans from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Viruses of this family also cause a number of animal diseases.
A Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been seen in humans before. This particular coronavirus is rare but can cause serious illness.
In confirmed cases of illness in humans, common symptoms have been acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. Based on current clinical experience, the infection generally presents as pneumonia. It has caused kidney failure and death in some cases. It is important to note that the current understanding of the illness caused by this infection is based on a limited number of cases and may change as more information becomes available.
Health providers should advise their patients to take the same steps as they would for other respiratory illnesses such as :
Stay home (self-isolate) until symptoms are improved, and get plenty of rest.
Limit contact with caregivers or visitors. Caregivers and others in the household should clean their hands frequently.
Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly after coughing or blowing your nose.
Practice good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away. Throw the tissue away in a waste bin. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after disposing of the used tissue.
Don't share drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, cigarettes, towels, washcloths or bed linen with others.
Health providers should use their judgement to assess if additional prevention messages are needed given their patient's health status and personal circumstance.
Source : http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/faq.aspx