COVID-19
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a specific virus that primarily affects your lungs and breathing system.
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COVID-19 is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. When you breathe in tiny droplets containing this virus, it enters your body and travels to your airways and lungs, where it begins to multiply. This triggers an immune response, which is your body's way of fighting off invaders, often causing you to feel sick.
While many people experience only mild symptoms, the virus can sometimes cause significant inflammation, which is swelling and redness, in the lungs. This makes it harder for oxygen to move from the air into your blood, which is why breathing can sometimes become difficult during the infection.
Common Symptoms
- A persistent dry cough.
- Fever or chills.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue.
- A new loss of the sense of taste or smell.
- Muscle or body aches.
- A sore throat or runny nose.