Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses affecting humans and animals. Named for the crown-like spikes that are on their surface, human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s but have likely circulated for centuries. With most coonaviruses causing only mild respiratory symptoms, nearly everyon is infected with coronaviruses at some time in their life. Coronaviruses primarily cause upper respiratory tract symptoms in humans, and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in animals. Viral spread occurs from respiratory droplets from an infected individual.