Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[9] It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and has resulted in an ongoing pandemic.[10][11] As of 3 September 2020, more than 26 million cases have been reported across 188 countries and territories, resulting in more than 863,000 deaths. More than 17.3 million people have recovered.[8]
Coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19)Other names
Coronavirus
Corona
COVID
2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease
Severe pneumonia with novel pathogens[3]
False-color transmission electron microscope image of coronavirus
Pronunciation
SpecialtyInfectious diseaseSymptomsFever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell; sometimes no symptoms at all[5][6]ComplicationsPneumonia, viral sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, cytokine release syndromeUsual onset2–14 days (typically 5) from infectionCausesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Diagnostic methodrRT-PCR testing, CT scanPreventionHand washing, face coverings, quarantine, social distancing[7]TreatmentSymptomatic and supportiveFrequency26,062,946[8] confirmed casesDeaths863,741 (3.3% of confirmed cases)[8]
Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste.[12][5][6][13] While most people have mild symptoms, some people develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) possibly precipitated by cytokine storm,[14] multi-organ failure, septic shock, and blood clots.[15][16][17] The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but may range from two to fourteen days.[5][18]
The virus is spread primarily via nose and mouth secretions including small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking.[6][19][20] The droplets usually do not travel through air over long distances.[6][21] However, those standing in close proximity may inhale these droplets and become infected.[a] People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face.[6][19] The transmission may also occur through smaller droplets that are able to stay suspended in the air for longer periods of time in enclosed spaces.[22] It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread is possible before symptoms appear, and from people who do not show symptoms.[6][19] The standard method of diagnosis is by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab.[23] Chest CT imaging may also be helpful for diagnosis in individuals where there is a high suspicion of infection based on symptoms and risk factors; however, guidelines do not recommend using CT imaging for routine screening.[24][25]
This Covid-19 really disrupted activities across the globe but it also still presented people with different opportunities which some people took advantage of.