COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which led to a global pandemic starting in January 2020. Symptoms vary and can include fever, fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties, and loss of taste or smell. While approximately one-third of infected individuals do not develop noticeable symptoms, those who do may experience a range of severity: 81% develop mild to moderate symptoms, 14% develop severe symptoms such as hypoxia, and 5% face critical symptoms including respiratory failure or organ dysfunction.

Older populations face a higher risk of severe illness. Some individuals experience long-term effects known as ‘long COVID,’ which can persist for months or years and may involve organ damage.

Transmission occurs through infectious particles inhaled via the air or through contact with mucous membranes after touching contaminated surfaces. Individuals can remain contagious for up to 20 days, even if they are asymptomatic. Diagnostic testing typically involves detecting nucleic acid through methods such as RT-PCR or RT-LAMP via nasopharyngeal swabs.