COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in late 2019 and led to a global pandemic. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. COVID-19 presents with a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms. While many people experience mild illness, others, especially older adults and those with underlying health conditions, may develop severe respiratory complications, such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be life-threatening.
Treatment For COVID-19
Treatment for COVID-19 varies depending on the severity of the illness. Mild cases typically require supportive care at home, including rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms like fever and pain. For moderate to severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, where treatments might include oxygen therapy, antiviral medications like remdesivir, corticosteroids like dexamethasone to reduce inflammation, and monoclonal antibodies to help the immune system fight the virus. In critical cases, mechanical ventilation or other advanced respiratory support may be needed. Vaccination remains the most effective measure for preventing severe illness and controlling the spread of COVID-19, along with public health practices such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and frequent handwashing.
