COVID-19
COVID-19 (short for
"Coronavirus Disease 2019") is a highly infectious respiratory
illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The virus first emerged in
Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread rapidly around the world,
leading to a global pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID-19
can range from mild to severe, and include fever, cough, and difficulty
breathing. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an
infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can also be transmitted through
contact with contaminated surfaces.
Preventative measures
such as wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing have been
recommended to slow the spread of the virus. Vaccines have also been developed
and are being distributed worldwide to protect people from COVID-19.
The pandemic has had
significant impacts on daily life and the global economy, and efforts are
ongoing to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its effects.