Coronavirus disease

Coronavirus disease (also known as COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Causes

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is primarily spread between people during close contact, often via small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, but often include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death.

Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection include staying at home, wearing a face mask in public, washing hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds, practicing good respiratory hygiene, and avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences beyond the spread of the disease itself and efforts to quarantine it, including political, cultural, and social implications.

See also

• Pandemic
• Epidemiology of COVID-19
• Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic
• COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 pandemic in popular culture

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