Covid-19
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a type of coronavirus. This virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and small particles that infected individuals produce when coughing, talking, or sneezing.
Symptoms of Covid-19 may appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Some individuals may even be asymptomatic while carrying the virus.
Common symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chills
- Headache
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Loss of taste or smell
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea
Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk of developing severe illness should they become infected with Covid-19.
How does Covid-19 impact healthcare?
The Covid-19 pandemic placed an immense strain on the healthcare system. With how easily the virus spreads from person to person, many hospitals faced a greater need for their services than they were capable of filling, particularly in treating patients exhibiting serious illness. This overburdening of the healthcare system then led to poorer quality care and, in severe cases, the inability to provide care for those who were ill.
While no longer at peak levels, Covid-19 remains a prevalent virus that continues to affect the health of those infected.