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SARS-CoV-2 · Virus
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads efficiently between people through respiratory droplets and aerosols and continues to circulate seasonally with new variants.
Transmission
Person-to-person through respiratory droplets and airborne aerosols, especially indoors and in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
Incubation
Typically 2–5 days (range 1–14 days).
Seasonality
Circulates year-round with pronounced winter surges and secondary waves driven by new variants.
Symptoms
- Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath
- Fatigue, muscle and body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat, congestion, headache
- Post-viral 'long COVID' symptoms in some people
Prevention
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccines and boosters
- Improve indoor ventilation and air filtration
- Mask in high-risk or crowded indoor settings
- Test and isolate when symptomatic
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