Portal:Coronavirus disease 2019

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). First identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, it has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic. COVID-19 manifests with a wide range of symptoms, from mild such as fever, cough, and fatigue, to severe illness including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Transmission

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of infected individuals. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, and then touching the face. Airborne transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, has been identified as a significant factor in the spread of the disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary but commonly include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues are also reported. Diagnosis is primarily through RT-PCR tests, which detect the virus's genetic material. Other diagnostic methods include antigen tests and CT scans for detecting lung involvement.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive measures include frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance from others, wearing face masks, and vaccination. Various vaccines have been developed and distributed globally, significantly reducing the severity and mortality of the disease. Treatment is primarily supportive, with severe cases requiring hospitalization and possibly mechanical ventilation. Antiviral drugs and steroids may also be used.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global health, economies, and daily life. It has overwhelmed healthcare systems, led to widespread economic downturns, and necessitated the implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions. The pandemic has also accelerated innovations in healthcare, such as telemedicine and rapid vaccine development.

Vaccination

A global effort to develop and distribute vaccines against COVID-19 has resulted in multiple effective vaccines. Vaccination campaigns have varied in speed and coverage across different countries, with disparities in vaccine access and hesitancy affecting overall efficacy.

See Also

• Pandemic
• Epidemiology of COVID-19
• COVID-19 vaccination
• COVID-19 testing
• Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic