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COVID-19

By Tabitha Mishra
Last updated: June 20, 2024

What Does COVID-19 Mean?

COVID-19 (short for coronavirus disease 2019) is an infectious viral respiratory disease caused by a virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The first known case of COVID-19 occurred in December 2019. By January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared SARS-CoV-2 and COVID 19 a global pandemic. Numerous countries and jurisdictions subsequently implemented restrictions on travel, temporarily closed down certain business locations, and required or encouraged practices like wearing masks in public to limit the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 is sometimes referred to as the Coronavirus (although it is, strictly speaking, caused by one type of coronavirus). Since the virus is believed to have originated in the city of Wuhan in China, COVID-19 had sometimes been initially referred to as the Wuhan Flu or Wuhan Coronavirus. The WHO also proposed calling it 2019-nCoV before settling on its current name.

Safeopedia Explains COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause commonly known illnesses, such as the common cold, SARS, and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Although SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious than the virus that causes SARS (SARS-CoV), it is less likely to cause serious issues. Most severe cases of COVID-19 are in vulnerable populations, such as immunocompromised individuals. However, serious complications and fatal cases have also been observed in otherwise healthy individuals. 

Coronaviruses have a spherical structure and are coated with protein spikes, which help the virus bind to healthy cells and infect them. Their name comes from this structure, as the spikes look like crowns (“corona” in Latin) when observed under a microscope.

There is a membrane layer beneath these protein spikes. Inside that membrane is the virus’ genome, made of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is subject to change or mutation. These mutations help the virus to adapt easily and infect new host species.

How COVID-19 Spreads

While the SARS-CoV-2 virus is similar to SARS-CoV, they are transmitted differently and have unique symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 spreads through droplets containing the virus, which are released into the air when someone infected with the virus sneezes, coughs, speaks, or breathes.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other viral diseases and include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Coughing
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nasal congestion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste and smell

Symptoms are seen in people within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus.

While most cases of COVID-19 resolve by themselves, others can experience serious conditions like respiratory failure, heart muscle damage, kidney failure, and death.

Long COVID

Some people will also experience Long COVID, a term for persistent health symptoms that remain long after they recover from the acute COVID-19 infection. The prevalence of Long COVID is currently unknown, with most studies finding it in at least 10% of people with COVID-19 but some finding persistent symptoms in as many as 50% of cases.

The symptoms that characterize Long COVID are varied and range widely in severity. They can include fatigue, low blood pressure, and brain fog.

There is currently no known cure for Long COVID and recovery is rare. Some symptoms can ameliorate over time, while others can get worse. Since COVID-19 only emerged recently, it is unclear whether Long COVID is permanent, although similar conditions are considered lifelong.

COVID-19 Prevention

N95 masks, indoor ventilation, and air filtration have been shown to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus. Washing hands with soap and water, and using hand sanitizers are considered preventive measures as the layer of membrane beneath the spikes can be disrupted by alcohol and detergents.

Social distancing measures were widespread in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most common guideline being for people to remain six feet apart to limit the risk of infection. Updated guidelines now advise that SARS-CoV-2 is an airborne contaminant that can disperse in the air and infect people at greater than six feet of distance.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were developed approved in various countries in late 2020. While vaccination has limited effects in preventing COVID-19, research indicates that it can protect individuals from the more severe symptoms and reduce the likelihood of a COVID-19 infection being fatal.

Ready to learn more? Check out our free webinar on Achieving a Safe Workplace in a COVID Environment!

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Synonyms

2019-nCoV

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Wuhan Flu

Wuhan Coronavirus

Coronavirus

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