Covid-19 Overview

Covid-19, also known as Coronavirus disease 2019, is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first cases were reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

Transmission

The virus is primarily spread through:

• Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes
• Close contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands or sharing food and drinks

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Covid-19 include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Body aches or muscle pains
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Severity

Covid-19 can cause mild, moderate, or severe illness. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or other complications.

Risk Factors

Certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19, including:

• Older adults (65 years and older)
• Young children (under 5 years old)
• Pregnant women
• People with underlying medical conditions, such as:
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or taking immunosuppressive medications)

Diagnosis

Covid-19 is typically diagnosed using:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect the virus's genetic material
• Rapid antigen tests to detect viral proteins
• Serology tests to detect antibodies against the virus
• Chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate lung involvement

Treatment

Treatment for Covid-19 typically involves:

• Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and oxygen therapy
• Antiviral medications, such as remdesivir or lopinavir/ritonavir, to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in severe cases
• Monoclonal antibodies to help neutralize the virus

Prevention

To prevent the spread of Covid-19:

• Get vaccinated with a Covid-19 vaccine
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Wear a mask in public places or when around others
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Vaccines

Several Covid-19 vaccines were developed and approved for emergency use, including:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty)
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273)
• AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (AZD1222)
• Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (Ad26.COV2.S)

Global Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health authorities implemented various measures to control the spread of Covid-19, including:

• Travel restrictions and border closures
• Social distancing measures, such as lockdowns and stay-at-home orders
• Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
• Development and distribution of vaccines and treatments