How COVID-19 Affects the Body

Summary

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a type of coronavirus with spike proteins that infect cells by attaching to receptors on their surface. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with some experiencing mild or no symptoms. High-risk individuals, such as older adults and those with underlying health conditions, are more vulnerable to severe illness. Social distancing is vital for preventing the virus's spread, and those exhibiting severe symptoms should seek medical attention. For more information, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Takeaways

• 😀 COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is part of the coronavirus family.
• 😀 Coronaviruses have crown-like spikes (spike proteins) on their surface, which is how they get their name.
• 😀 The virus infects by entering the body through the mouth, nose, or lungs, and attaching to cell receptors.
• 😀 Once inside a cell, the virus uses the cell's machinery to create more virus copies, which then spread to other cells.
• 😀 The virus can cause infected cells to fuse with healthy ones, forming giant cells to aid in its spread.
• 😀 Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, and loss of smell or appetite.
• 😀 People may be infected with COVID-19 for 2 to 14 days before showing symptoms.
• 😀 Most people experience mild illness and recover at home, though some may have no symptoms at all.
• 😀 Older adults (65+) and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are at higher risk for severe illness.
• 😀 It is important to practice social distancing (at least 6 feet apart) to prevent the virus from spreading.

Q & A

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the short name for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, which emerged in 2019.

What is the role of the spike proteins in the virus?

The spike proteins (S proteins) on the surface of the virus allow it to attach to receptors on human cells, facilitating the virus's entry into the body.

How does the virus infect human cells?

The virus infects human cells when its S protein binds to a receptor on a cell's surface. This can trigger the virus to either fuse with the cell or be engulfed by the cell in a sac, where it releases its genetic material.

How does the virus replicate inside the human body?

Once inside the cell, the virus's RNA uses the cell's ribosomes to make new copies of the virus, which then travel to the surface of the cell to infect other cells.

What are the primary symptoms of COVID-19?

The three main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include tiredness, body aches, sore throat, loss of smell, and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.

How long can someone be infected with COVID-19 before showing symptoms?

People can be infected with COVID-19 for 2 to 14 days before symptoms appear.

What should someone do if they experience severe symptoms of COVID-19?

If someone has trouble breathing or experiences severe symptoms, they should call their doctor or go to the emergency room for guidance.

Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

People aged 65 and older, or those with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease, asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, and weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.

What is social distancing, and why is it important?

Social distancing means keeping at least two meters (or six feet) of space between yourself and others. It helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protects both individuals and the broader community.

Where can people find up-to-date information about COVID-19?

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, people should visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.