This virus should be known to everyone.
From the first cases in China to the spread around the globe to the Covid-19 pandemic. Worldwide lockdowns and severe disease courses turned our everyday lives upside down.
Read all the information here, from the symptoms, cause and diagnosis to the treatment and long-term consequences of the disease.
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Corona virus profile
Name des Corona-Virus: SARS-CoV-2
Main transmission: inhaled droplets/aerosols
Common symptoms: Cough, fever, runny nose, impaired sense of smell and/or taste
The risk group: especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions
Incubation period: about three days (depending on the virus variant)
The different variants of the corona virus
Since the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, several variants of the virus have emerged, which is common with viral zoonoses. The WHO compiled an overview in May 2021 and named the variants after Greek letters.
- VOC: variant of concern – variant of concern
- OH: variant of interest – variant under observation
- YOU-D: Variant under observation in Germany
The most important variants are:
- Alpha (B.1.1.7): Discovered in the UK in September 2020, spread worldwide and is more contagious.
- Beta (B.1.351): Identified in South Africa in May 2020, could weaken antibody effect.
- Gamma (P.1): Discovered in Brazil in November 2020, facilitates immune escape.
- Delta (B.1.617.2): Discovered in India in October 2020, highly contagious.
- Omikron (B.1.1.529): Discovered in South Africa in November 2021, many mutations, partial immune escape. Subvariants such as BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, XBB.
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How long are you contagious with Corona?
Das Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is an infectious disease and is transmitted through droplets and aerosols when speaking, breathing or coughing. Other people can become infected if they inhale these.
How long are you contagious? That depends on the course of the Illness After just one or two days, there is a risk of transmitting the virus. However, most people are no longer contagious after ten days.
What are the symptoms of Corona?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely, from mild to severe, and they often affect the respiratory system but can also affect other systems of the body.
These are the most common symptoms:
- Fever: Increased body temperature, often accompanied by chills.
- Cough: Dry cough is typical, sometimes also productive cough with mucus.
- Respiratory distress: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially in more severe cases.
- Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and exhaustion that can severely affect everyday life.
- Loss of smell and taste: Sudden loss or change in the sense of smell and taste is a characteristic symptom.
- Sore throat: Pain or a scratchy feeling in the throat.
- Headache: Common symptom that can vary from mild to severe.
- Muscular pain: Pain and discomfort in muscles and joints.
- Stuffy or runny nose: Similar to a cold.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: These symptoms occur in some people but are less common.
- Chest pain: Some people report chest pain that makes breathing difficult.
Runny nose can be one of the symptoms of Covid-19
Photo: Philip Dulian/dpa
Symptoms can occur in combination and vary in severity. Some people, especially younger and healthy people, may be asymptomatic, meaning they carry the virus without noticeable symptoms. In more severe cases, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, organ failure, and even death, especially in older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
After the infection, “Long Covid” can occur, in which the symptoms can last for weeks. If the symptoms last longer than 12 weeks, it is referred to as a post-Covid-19 condition.
How is Corona diagnosed?
There are antigen tests and the PCR test for the diagnosis of Covid-19:
★ Antigen-Test: Detection of viral antigens in the shortest possible time by detecting the proteins of the virus. The test does not have to be carried out in a laboratory and can also be carried out at home.
★ PCR-Test: Direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 is carried out through the virus genome, the genetic material. After the sample is taken, the evaluation takes one to two days.
Processing PCR tests in the PCR laboratory
Photo: Waltraud Grubitzsch/dpa
How do you protect yourself from Corona?
There are effective corona vaccinations that usually protect against severe cases. Patients at risk are recommended to be vaccinated annually in the fall. Unvaccinated people who have not yet been infected are advised to receive three vaccinations.
Are vaccinations mandatory? There is no general vaccination requirement in Germany, but it may be required in certain professions.
Compliance with hygiene standards also plays a central role: Regular and thorough hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds is important, especially after contact with public surfaces or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
