COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Since spreading worldwide in January 2020, it has resulted in a global pandemic. Symptoms vary and can include fever, fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties, and loss of taste or smell, typically appearing one to fourteen days after exposure.

While approximately one-third of infected individuals do not develop noticeable symptoms, those who do may experience a range of severity. Most patients (81%) develop mild to moderate symptoms, 14% develop severe symptoms such as hypoxia, and 5% experience critical symptoms including respiratory failure or shock. Older populations face a higher risk of severe illness. Some individuals suffer from long-term effects known as long COVID, which can involve organ damage.

Transmission occurs through infectious particles inhaled via the air or through contact with contaminated surfaces and mucous membranes. Individuals can remain contagious for up to 20 days. Diagnostic testing typically utilizes methods such as real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and other nucleic acid detection techniques.