Flexi Says: Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses like the common cold or more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). In more severe cases, the viral infection may cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. It directly affects the lungs and can damage the alveoli, which are responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the blood.