What is coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19?
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a virus transmitted through respiratory droplets that causes the disease known as COVID-19. Currently, most people who become infected experience mild symptoms and recover without complications. In individuals belonging to high-risk groups, COVID-19 can still be severe. Vaccination and hygiene measures help reduce the risk of infection and complications.
El Coronavirus SARS-COV-2 explained in first person
SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that has been present in nature for a long time.
What worried me most at the time was the fact that I could have infected other people and then felt responsible for that.
Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that normally only affects animals. Some can also be transmitted from animals to people, and then from person to person, usually causing respiratory problems that generally have mild symptoms.
Various coronaviruses cause respiratory infections and are a very common cause of the common cold. However, new coronaviruses have emerged on several occasions, leading to more or less localised outbreaks of severe febrile respiratory illness. Examples include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which appeared in 2002 but did not persist; and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), identified in 2012, from which sporadic cases are still reported.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a novel type of coronavirus, most likely of animal origin, which crossed over into humans at some point before it was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The disease it causes is known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020, a status that remained in effect until May 5, 2023. However, several years after the onset of the pandemic, the global situation has changed significantly. Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has had a profound impact on public health, the economy, education and daily life worldwide.
In December 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths worldwide was nearly 7 million. However, various studies suggest that the actual number of deaths is higher.
At present, the COVID-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Nevertheless, SARS-CoV-2 infections remain widespread, with new variants of the virus, new cases, reinfections and hospital admissions continuing to occur.
Today, thanks to vaccination and immunity acquired after infection, most cases present with mild respiratory symptoms and resolve without the need for specific treatment. However, severe forms of COVID-19 continue to result in hospital admission and intensive care unit (ICU) support.
Thus, individuals in high-risk groups who are suspected of having COVID-19 should be diagnosed as early as possible and have rapid access to medical treatment when necessary.
How is Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 transmitted?
The virus is mainly spread via respiratory droplets between people who are in close contact. These particles have different sizes, from the largest respiratory droplets to the smallest, known as aerosols.
Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These secretions can infect another person if they come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes or mouth. Therefore, when coughing, you should cover your mouth with disposable tissues or cough into the inside of your elbow, and wash your hands frequently.
Aerosols. Transmission via aerosols can occur particularly in indoor spaces with a lot of people or where there is poor ventilation. If there are infected people in these spaces for a prolonged period, the aerosols can remain in the atmosphere and infect other people in the room, even if they are not particularly close to an infected person. This can occur at family or social gatherings, in restaurants, gym classes, offices or other enclosed spaces.
Surfaces. Coronavirus is not transmitted to any significant extent through contact with inanimate surfaces, such as keyboards, door handles or handrails. However, these surfaces may be contaminated with other types of viruses, so routine surface disinfection and frequent handwashing are strongly recommended.
The usual incubation period is 5 to 7 days, but may be as long as 14 days.
Which population groups are at greater risk of developing severe or complicated COVID-19?
Persons over 60 years of age.
People with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, lung disease, or immunity problems.
Transplant recipients, individuals with immune disorders or those receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
Pregnant women.
Substantiated information by:
Published: 12 March 2020
Updated: 17 December 2024
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