COVID-19: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = COVID-19
| image                  = [[File:Fphar-11-00937-g001.jpg|alt=COVID-19 virus illustration]]
| caption                = Illustration of the [[SARS-CoV-2]] virus
| field                  = [[Infectious disease]]
| symptoms                = [[Fever]], [[cough]], [[fatigue (medical)|fatigue]], [[shortness of breath]], [[loss of taste and smell]]
| complications          = [[Pneumonia]], [[acute respiratory distress syndrome]], [[multi-organ failure]], [[sepsis]], [[death]]
| onset                  = 2–14 days after exposure
| duration                = Variable
| causes                  = [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]]
| risks                  = [[Older age]], [[underlying health conditions]]
| diagnosis              = [[Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction|RT-PCR]], [[antigen test]], [[antibody test]]
| prevention              = [[Vaccination]], [[face masks]], [[hand washing]], [[physical distancing]]
| treatment              = [[Supportive care]], [[antiviral drugs]], [[corticosteroids]]
| prognosis              = Varies, higher risk of severe outcomes in older adults and those with comorbidities
| frequency              = [[Pandemic]]
| deaths                  = Over 6 million worldwide (as of 2023)
}}
{{Short description|Encyclopedic article on COVID-19}}
{{Short description|Encyclopedic article on COVID-19}}
 
== Introduction ==
==Overview==
'''COVID-19''' is an infectious disease caused by the [[SARS-CoV-2]] virus. It was first identified in December 2019 in [[Wuhan]], [[China]], and has since led to a global pandemic. The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and has a wide range of symptoms, from mild respiratory issues to severe pneumonia and death.
'''COVID-19''' is an infectious disease caused by the [[SARS-CoV-2]] virus. It was first identified in December 2019 in [[Wuhan]], [[China]], and has since led to a global pandemic. The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and has a wide range of symptoms, from mild respiratory issues to severe pneumonia and death.
 
[[File:Transmission_of_COVID-19.jpg|Transmission of COVID-19|left|thumb]]
[[File:Transmission_of_COVID-19.jpg|Transmission of COVID-19|thumb|right]]
 
==Virology==
==Virology==
The causative agent of COVID-19 is the [[SARS-CoV-2]] virus, a novel coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of related [[RNA virus]]es that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal.
The causative agent of COVID-19 is the [[SARS-CoV-2]] virus, a novel coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of related [[RNA virus]]es that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal.
===Structure===
===Structure===
[[File:Coronavirus_virion_structure.svg|Structure of a coronavirus virion|thumb|left]]
[[File:Coronavirus_virion_structure.svg|Structure of a coronavirus virion|left|thumb]]
The virus has a characteristic "crown" of spike proteins on its surface, which are crucial for its ability to infect host cells. The [[spike protein]] binds to the [[ACE2 receptor]] on human cells, facilitating viral entry.
The virus has a characteristic "crown" of spike proteins on its surface, which are crucial for its ability to infect host cells. The [[spike protein]] binds to the [[ACE2 receptor]] on human cells, facilitating viral entry.
==Transmission==
==Transmission==
COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to [[acute respiratory distress syndrome]] (ARDS), [[multi-organ failure]], and death.
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to [[acute respiratory distress syndrome]] (ARDS), [[multi-organ failure]], and death.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of COVID-19 is primarily conducted through [[RT-PCR]] testing, which detects the presence of viral RNA. Other diagnostic methods include antigen tests and serological tests for antibodies.
Diagnosis of COVID-19 is primarily conducted through [[RT-PCR]] testing, which detects the presence of viral RNA. Other diagnostic methods include antigen tests and serological tests for antibodies.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures include wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and frequent hand washing. Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling the spread of the virus.
Preventive measures include wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and frequent hand washing. Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling the spread of the virus.
==Vaccination==
==Vaccination==
Several vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use, including mRNA vaccines like [[Pfizer-BioNTech]] and [[Moderna]], as well as viral vector vaccines like [[AstraZeneca]] and [[Johnson & Johnson]].
Several vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use, including mRNA vaccines like [[Pfizer-BioNTech]] and [[Moderna]], as well as viral vector vaccines like [[AstraZeneca]] and [[Johnson & Johnson]].
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for COVID-19 includes supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for severe cases. Antiviral drugs like [[remdesivir]] and anti-inflammatory drugs like [[dexamethasone]] have been used to treat hospitalized patients.
Treatment for COVID-19 includes supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for severe cases. Antiviral drugs like [[remdesivir]] and anti-inflammatory drugs like [[dexamethasone]] have been used to treat hospitalized patients.
==Impact==
==Impact==
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global health, economies, and daily life. It has led to widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and changes in social behavior.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global health, economies, and daily life. It has led to widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and changes in social behavior.
 
[[File:Infektionsschutzzentrum_im_Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum,_Köln-6313_(cropped).jpg|COVID-19 testing center in Cologne|left|thumb]]
[[File:Infektionsschutzzentrum_im_Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum,_Köln-6313_(cropped).jpg|COVID-19 testing center in Cologne|thumb|right]]
==See also==
 
==Related pages==
* [[Pandemic]]
* [[Pandemic]]
* [[Vaccine]]
* [[Vaccine]]
* [[Public health]]
* [[Public health]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
[[Category:COVID-19]]
[[Category:COVID-19]]
[[Category:Coronavirus outbreaks]]
[[Category:Coronavirus outbreaks]]
[[Category:2020s pandemics]]
[[Category:2020s pandemics]]

Latest revision as of 21:23, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

COVID-19
COVID-19 virus illustration
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell
Complications Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, sepsis, death
Onset 2–14 days after exposure
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes SARS-CoV-2
Risks Older age, underlying health conditions
Diagnosis RT-PCR, antigen test, antibody test
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention Vaccination, face masks, hand washing, physical distancing
Treatment Supportive care, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies, higher risk of severe outcomes in older adults and those with comorbidities
Frequency Pandemic
Deaths Over 6 million worldwide (as of 2023)


Encyclopedic article on COVID-19


Introduction[edit]

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since led to a global pandemic. The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and has a wide range of symptoms, from mild respiratory issues to severe pneumonia and death.

Transmission of COVID-19

Virology[edit]

The causative agent of COVID-19 is the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory tract infections that can range from mild to lethal.

Structure[edit]

Structure of a coronavirus virion

The virus has a characteristic "crown" of spike proteins on its surface, which are crucial for its ability to infect host cells. The spike protein binds to the ACE2 receptor on human cells, facilitating viral entry.

Transmission[edit]

COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and death.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of COVID-19 is primarily conducted through RT-PCR testing, which detects the presence of viral RNA. Other diagnostic methods include antigen tests and serological tests for antibodies.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and frequent hand washing. Vaccination is a key strategy in controlling the spread of the virus.

Vaccination[edit]

Several vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use, including mRNA vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for COVID-19 includes supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation for severe cases. Antiviral drugs like remdesivir and anti-inflammatory drugs like dexamethasone have been used to treat hospitalized patients.

Impact[edit]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global health, economies, and daily life. It has led to widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and changes in social behavior.

COVID-19 testing center in Cologne

See also[edit]