European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The COVID - 19 pandemic is also known as coronavirus pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The source is probably from bats and possibly via pangolins. The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, most often via small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing and talking. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell. Complications include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around 5 days and ranges from 2 to 14 days. Prevention is by washing hands frequently, cleaning the surfaces, wearing face masks, self isolation and social distancing.