COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. First identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, it quickly spread globally, leading to a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020. The term “COVID-19” stands for “Coronavirus Disease 2019,” referring to the year it was first discovered.
The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, although many people may also experience fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and other flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, with some individuals developing life-threatening complications, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
Preventive measures against COVID-19 include wearing masks, social distancing, hand hygiene, and vaccination, which has been a critical tool in managing and controlling spread. Variants of the virus have emerged, prompting ongoing research and public health responses. Overall, COVID-19 has had profound impacts on health systems, economies, and daily life around the world.
A Vigo hospital case highlighted tensions between pandemic protocols and human connection, illustrating the emotional toll on families separated from dying loved ones. In January 2022, strict COVID-19 measures prevented…