Coronavirus (covid 19)general information

Coronavirus, COVID-19, is part of a large family of coronaviruses. It has a crown-like shape with glycoprotein spikes. Prior to COVID-19, other viruses from the coronavirus family, like SARS-CoV (found in 2002), H1N1 influenza (found in 2009), and MERS-CoV (found in 2012), have caused severe respiratory diseases and deaths. COVID-19 was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and causes contagious acute respiratory infections spread through coughing and sneezing.

Young children and older individuals are more susceptible to COVID-19 due to weaker immune systems. Those with heart problems, diabetes, lung diseases, stomach disorders, and respiratory issues are also at higher risk. Research suggests that individuals with blood type A+ and A- are more likely to be infected.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, sneezing, flu-like symptoms, eye infection, difficulty breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, and fatigue. Some patients may also experience loss of smell and taste.

In 2020, COVID-19 spread to approximately 192 countries within 3 months, infecting thousands and causing numerous deaths. Precautions advised by health authorities include avoiding crowds, staying home, frequent handwashing, not touching the face, nose, or eyes, not sharing personal items, covering the face when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning household surfaces.