*COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) 🦠😷* *Cause:* Caused by the virus *SARS-CoV-2*, first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. *Transmission:* - Respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking) - Airborne in poorly ventilated spaces - Contact with contaminated surfaces (less common) *Symptoms:* - Fever, cough, sore throat - Fatigue, muscle aches - Loss of smell or taste - Shortness of breath - Headache, diarrhea - In severe cases: pneumonia, respiratory failure *Diagnosis:* - RT-PCR (gold standard test) - Rapid antigen tests - Chest CT scan (for complications) *Prevention:* - Vaccination 💉 - Wearing masks 😷 - Hand hygiene ✋🧼 - Physical distancing - Avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated areas *Treatment:* - Mild cases: supportive care at home - Moderate/severe: oxygen therapy, antivirals (e.g., remdesivir), steroids (e.g., dexamethasone), anticoagulants - Critical care: mechanical ventilation, ICU support *Complications:* - Pneumonia - Blood clots - Long COVID (persistent symptoms) - Organ damage (lungs, heart, brain) *Note:* Vaccination and timely medical care greatly reduce severity and mortality.