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 show noticeable symptoms, those who do may experience mild to moderate symptoms, severe symptoms such as hypoxia, or critical symptoms including respiratory failure.

Older populations face a higher risk of severe illness. Some patients experience long-term effects known as long COVID, which can involve organ damage. The virus is transmitted through infectious particles inhaled via close proximity or airborne particles, especially indoors, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Testing for the virus typically involves methods such as RT-PCR or RT-LAMP via nasopharyngeal swabs.