About SARS-CoV-2 virus

About SARS-CoV-2 virus

Virus:

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus belongs to the family of coronaviruses that cause diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The virus spreads through close contact, by exhaling, sneezing, coughing with the formation of aerosols and microdroplets, or by touching virus-infected surfaces.  

Virus strains:

All viruses change over time to adapt to environmental conditions. The resulting mutations can change the spread potential of the virus, the symptoms and course of the disease, reduce the sensitivity to the applied treatment and vaccination. The first significant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus identified in the United Kingdom was assigned the name Alpha. Later, more strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with different mutation profiles and characteristics were identified. Currently, the Omikron strain is the most common, accounting for >98% of all sequences described in the GISAID database. Newly emerging strains of this virus, their spread and characteristics are monitored by the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 disease 

Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • cough
  • fatigue
  • loss of taste and/or smell

Less common symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
  • chest pain
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • aches and pains
  • diarrhea
  • a rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
  • red or irritated eyes