What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus that is genetically similar to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus.
- The symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific and may vary in severity. The disease may be asymptomatic, but severe pneumonia may also occur. For people in risk groups, the disease can be fatal in the worst cases.
- Most people who are infected with the coronavirus have mild symptoms and they recover from it.
How does the coronavirus spread?
The virus is spread from person to person through droplets while coming into close contact with an infectious person who has symptoms characteristic of the disease, especially a cough. The virus can also be transmitted by people who do not know they are infected and who have no symptoms.
The best way to stop the virus from spreading is to get vaccinated and stay at home with any symptoms.
Droplets or aerosols
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets or small particles called aerosols carry the virus from the nose or mouth into the air.
Therefore, it is important to keep a sufficient distance from other people and wear a mask.
Transmission by air
Studies show that the virus stays viable in the air for up to three hours.
It is therefore important to use ventilation in rooms at the maximum design capacity and open windows often enough in the absence of forced ventilation.
Transmission from surfaces
The virus can also spread via contaminated surfaces, i.e. surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on. For example, you can contract the virus by touching a contaminated work surface or door handle and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can stay viable for 2–3 days on plastic and stainless steel.
Frequent cleaning and disinfection of rooms and shared surfaces and equipment helps to prevent transmission from surfaces.
Symptoms of COVID-19
- The symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific and may vary in severity. The disease may be asymptomatic, but severe pneumonia may also occur. For people in risk groups, the disease can be fatal in the worst cases.
- Most people have mild symptoms and they recover from it.
- The risk group for the virus includes the elderly and people with chronic diseases who are more likely to have a severe form of the disease.
The most common symptoms
Last updated: 10.11.2021