Coronavirus disease 19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, and has since led to a global pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. COVID-19 affects different people in various ways, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe respiratory illness.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Nasal congestion
• Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Different types of skin rash
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills or dizziness

Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include:

• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• High temperature (above 38 °C)

It is important to note that some people become infected but only develop very mild symptoms or none at all (asymptomatic carriers).

Transmission

COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that people practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). It can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching the face.

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection include:

• Regular hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Maintaining at least a 1-meter distance from others (social distancing)
• Wearing a mask in public settings, especially where social distancing cannot be maintained
• Avoiding touching the face, nose, and eyes
• Practicing good respiratory hygiene

Treatment

As of now, there is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Management involves supportive care, which may include:

• Rest and symptom relief
• Fluid intake to maintain hydration
• Oxygen therapy for patients with severe symptoms
• Advanced respiratory support for patients in critical condition

Vaccines have been developed and are being distributed globally in an effort to halt the spread of the virus. Vaccination campaigns are crucial in the fight against COVID-19.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global health systems, economies, and daily life. Efforts to contain the spread of the virus have led to the implementation of various measures, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the closure of many businesses and public spaces.

See Also

• Pandemic
• Epidemiology of COVID-19
• COVID-19 Vaccination
• Social Impact of COVID-19

External Links

• World Health Organization: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus (COVID-19)