Most cases are mild and do not need hospital care, however, some COVID infections will lead to viral pneumonia and the failure of the respiratory or other body systems.[2][8] For those cases, hospitalization is frequently needed for breathing support, with oxygen or a mechanical ventilator, along with therapy to support the circulatory system, kidneys, and other body systems.
Epidemiology
As of 10 March 2023, more than 676million[9] cases have been reported in countries and territories,[10] resulting in over 6.88million deaths.[9] More than people have recovered.[9]
Spread 1
It spreads very easily and sustainably, primarily via contaminated droplets produced during breathing, coughing, sneezing, talking and singing.[6][11][12]
Spread 2
Close contact is defined as one metre (or three feet) by the World Health Organization and two metres (or six feet) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Spread 3
During close contact, people catch the disease from breathing in contaminated droplets.
Spread 4
Less commonly, when the contaminated droplets fall to floors or surfaces they can remain infectious if people touch contaminated surfaces and then their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Some people have been infected and recovered without showing symptoms, and such people may be able to spread COVID-19.
Onset
The average time from exposure to onset of symptoms is five days, but it can vary from as little as two days to as many as fourteen.[4][13]
The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia.[15][16]
Prevention 1
Preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection include staying at home, wearing a mask in public, avoiding crowded places, keeping distance from others, washing hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds, practising good respiratory hygiene, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.[17][18]
Prevention 2
The use of face masks is recommended for anyone suspected of having the virus to prevent the spread of infected droplets. Caregivers should also use masks, faceshields, and other personal protective equipment when caring for people with active COVID-19, and high filtration masks, like the N95, for any activities that may generate aerosol from an infected patient.[19] Recommendations for, and against mask use by the general public, vary by country and region.[20][21][22]
^CDC (11 February 2020). "2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.