Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as a global health crisis in late 2019, caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Since its initial identification in Wuhan, China, COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide, leading to unprecedented disruptions to public health, economies, and societies. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and death, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, with transmission also possible through aerosols and contact with contaminated surfaces. Efforts to contain the spread of the virus have included widespread testing, contact tracing, quarantine measures, social distancing, and the development and distribution of vaccines. However, challenges such as vaccine distribution inequities, vaccine hesitancy, emergence of new variants, and disparities in access to healthcare persist. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical features, transmission dynamics, diagnostic methods, treatment options, preventive measures, and societal impacts of COVID-19, highlighting the ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact and the lessons learned for future pandemic preparedness.

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a global health crisis, posing unprecedented challenges to public health, economies, and societies worldwide. Since its initial identification in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread rapidly, leading to millions of infections and substantial morbidity and mortality. Understanding the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, transmission dynamics, and public health responses to COVID-19 is crucial for mitigating its impact and guiding effective control measures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of COVID-19, encompassing its virology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management strategies, preventive measures, and ongoing research efforts to combat the pandemic. Insights gained from this review can inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public in devising and implementing evidence-based strategies to contain the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate its adverse consequences.