Covid-19 (short for coronavirus disease 2019) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and has since spread globally, causing a pandemic that continues to impact people and societies around the world.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, and can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. In some cases, the disease can cause severe respiratory illness, leading to hospitalization and even death, especially in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets from infected people, which can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.
Prevention measures include wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated. Treatment options for COVID-19 include supportive care to manage symptoms, and antiviral medications for those with severe illness. Vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use in many countries to help protect against COVID-19.