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 mild to moderate symptoms, severe respiratory issues, or critical conditions such as respiratory failure and organ dysfunction.

Older populations face a higher risk of severe illness. Some patients experience long-term effects known as ‘long COVID,’ which can persist for months or years. 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, even if asymptomatic.

Diagnostic testing for the virus includes methods such as real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), transcription-mediated amplification, and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP).