The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread globally, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic in March 2020. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and it can lead to severe respiratory illness or death, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and measures such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing have been recommended to help prevent its spread. Vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use in many countries, providing hope for ending the pandemic, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable distribution and vaccine acceptance.
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The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread globally, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic in March 2020. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and it can lead to severe respiratory illness or death, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health conditions. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and measures such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequent hand washing have been recommended to help prevent its spread. Vaccines have been developed and authorized for emergency use in many countries, providing hope for ending the pandemic, although challenges remain in ensuring equitable distribution and vaccine acceptance.