View source for Coronavirus Disease 2019

== Coronavirus Disease 2019 ==

'''Coronavirus Disease 2019''' ('''COVID-19'''), pronounced as /koʊrəˈnaɪrəs diːˈziːz 2019/, is an infectious disease caused by the [[Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2]] (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in [[Wuhan]], [[China]], and has since spread globally, leading to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

=== Etymology ===

The name "Coronavirus Disease 2019" is derived from the virus that causes the disease, SARS-CoV-2, and the year it was first identified, 2019. The term "coronavirus" comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo, which refers to the characteristic appearance of the virus particles under electron microscopy.

=== Symptoms ===

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include [[fever]], [[cough]], and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to [[pneumonia]], acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death.

=== Prevention and Treatment ===

Preventive measures against COVID-19 include [[social distancing]], wearing [[face masks]], and hand hygiene. As of now, there is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Management involves the treatment of symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Pandemic]]
* [[Virus]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
* [[Respiratory system]]
* [[Vaccine]]
* [[Public health]]

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Infectious Diseases]]
[[Category:Respiratory Diseases]]
[[Category:Virology]]
[[Category:Public Health]]

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