🦠 Coronavirus / COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus first detected in late 2019. Despite becoming endemic, it remains a significant public health concern — particularly for immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions. New variants continue to emerge and vaccines are updated regularly.
Key facts
- Caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel betacoronavirus first detected in 2019
- Over 7 million confirmed deaths globally (WHO)
- Multiple effective vaccines authorized by FDA, EMA, and WHO
- Long COVID affects an estimated 10–30% of infected individuals
Most-asked questions
- What are the current COVID-19 symptoms?
- Which COVID-19 variants are circulating now?
- How effective are COVID-19 vaccines?
- What is long COVID and who gets it?
- Can you get COVID-19 more than once?
These questions are answered in depth on CoronavirusQuestions.com.
What is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus in the family Coronaviridae. It is closely related to SARS-CoV-1 (the original SARS virus from 2002–2004) and to bat coronaviruses identified in Southeast Asia. The virus uses its spike protein to bind to the ACE2 receptor on human cells, predominantly infecting the respiratory tract. (CDC)
Transmission
SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and aerosols generated when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Close contact (within 6 feet) carries the highest risk, but airborne transmission in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces is also documented. Surface transmission is possible but considered a minor route. (CDC: How COVID Spreads)
Variants
SARS-CoV-2 mutates as it replicates. The WHO classifies variants as Variants of Concern (VOC), Variants of Interest (VOI), or Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) based on evidence of increased transmissibility, immune evasion, or disease severity. The Omicron lineage and its sub-variants have dominated global circulation since late 2021. (WHO: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Variants)
Long COVID
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), commonly called long COVID, refers to symptoms persisting four or more weeks after acute infection. Common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), shortness of breath, and post-exertional malaise. The CDC estimates 10–30% of infected individuals experience some form of long COVID. (CDC: Long COVID)
Vaccines and treatment
Vaccines
Multiple COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved by the FDA, EMA, and WHO. Updated formulations targeting current variants are released annually, following the same model as seasonal flu vaccines. The CDC recommends staying up to date with the most current formulation. (CDC: COVID-19 Vaccines)
Antiviral treatment
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir (Veklury) are FDA-authorized treatments for COVID-19. They are most effective when started within the first few days of symptom onset. Eligibility criteria and prescribing guidance are updated periodically by the CDC and FDA as evidence evolves. (FDA: COVID-19 Treatments)
Deep-dive answers at CoronavirusQuestions.com
The full resource for COVID-19 questions: detailed pages on symptoms, variants, vaccines, anti-vaccine misinformation, global impact, long COVID, reinfection, research, and an expert directory. Updated daily with verified news.
This page provides a summary of coronavirus / COVID-19. For comprehensive information, visit CoronavirusQuestions.com. Summarized from CDC and WHO guidance. Last reviewed: .