Top 20 Facts about Covid-19

Covid-19 vaccine by Hakan Nural from Unsplash

Top 20 Facts about Covid-19

By now you may have dipped your toe in the water of online working. Maybe you are a frequent shopper on the online markets. Perhaps you don’t remember the last time you attended an in-person class or meeting. And how about your medical appointments?

Covid-19 disrupted the world. It challenged our healthcare systems, and tried and tested our economies and technology. This birthed innovation in many fields like science, health, tech, education, business, and more. Then global resilience and solidarity triumphed in the fight against the pandemic.

In this article, we explore fun facts about Covid-19 that will shed light on the impact of the disease since it was discovered in 2019. Take a look.

Here are the Top 20 Facts about Covid-19.

1. The virus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for COVID-19

Visualizations of the Covid-19 virus by Fusion Medical Animation from Unsplash

The viral infection, COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus named SARS-COV2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). SARS is a viral respiratory disease. It’s caused by a SARS-associated coronavirus.

According to the National Library of Medicine, SARS was first identified in southern China in November 2002. By February 2003, it had reached Hong Kong. At the time, it spread to over 20 countries and at least penetrated five continents.

Check out Famous People Who Died from COVID-19.

2. COVID-19 was first spotted in Wuhan

Human coronaviruses have existed for several decades. They were first identified in the mid-1960s. Since then they have been under close monitoring by health officials. Moreover, coronaviruses earn their name from their appearance. These viruses appear to have crown-like spikes on their surface.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) started in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in mainland China. The outbreak happened in December 2019 and spread throughout China and the world.

3. It rose to the status of a global pandemic in 2020

Photo by Bruno from Unsplash

On March 11, 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic. The pronouncements were made by the World Health Organization (WHO).

4. COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets

Respiratory droplets are the primary way in which COVID-19 spreads. Hence when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes they can directly transmit the disease to the people they get in conduct with.

To add on, infected persons can spread the virus indirectly through surfaces in their immediate environment. Also, objects used on the infected person such as a stethoscope or thermometer may pass on the infection to others if shared.

5. There are the common symptoms

Covid-19 Testing by Mufid Majnun from Unsplash

The COVID-19 most common symptoms are fever or chills, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, headache, and loss of taste or smell.

6. Then the severe signs

The indicators of seeking emergency medical attention include trouble breathing and pressure in the chest or persistent chest pain. Furthermore, another sign is developing pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds. The inability to wake or stay awake also forms part of the manifestations of COVID-19 that need medical intervention.

7. It is also a killer

Photo by Omar Elsharawy from Unsplash

According to the World Health Organization reports as of 6 March 2023, COVID-19 had claimed 6.87 million lives worldwide. The number of those infected for the same period was 759 million people.

Read about Historical Events That Happened Between 2000 and 2020.

8. COVID-19 sometimes has no symptoms

There are cases of COVID-19-infected patients that show no symptoms (asymptomatic). Thus, about 30% of COVID infections are asymptomatic. It means that most people experience mild symptoms like normal flu or a bad cold or no symptoms at all. These mild symptoms may run for almost 2 weeks.

9. COVID-19 least affects children

Children are at the same exposure of risk contracting COVID-19 just as adults. Yet the children are less likely to go into severe COVID-19 complications. On top of that, it is estimated that up to 50% of children and adolescents that get infected reveal no symptoms.

10. COVID-19 punches senior adults the most

While children seem to be spared by COVID-19 effects, seniors in age can develop severe illness challenges. These difficulties can result in death. What’s more, those with underlying health conditions are at a high risk of severe issues stemming from COVID-19.

11. COVID-19 has no cure

Covid-19 Vaccine Bottle Mockup by Daniel Schludi from Unsplash

There is no available cure or specific treatment for COVID-19 or any other disease caused by a novel coronavirus. Hence only the symptoms of the disease are treated. Thus supportive care for infected persons is encouraged because it’s effective.

Over and above that, there is also no specific vaccine for COVID-19. The available vaccines were approved for emergency use. They are governed by the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) terms and conditions.

12. It shook the global economy

Photo by Matt Seymour from Unsplash

COVID-19 sent shock waves through the world economy in different industries. To curtail the spread of the disease, measures of social and physical distancing became common. This affected physical activities such as sports and disrupted the regular aspects of life.

Additionally, restrictions such as lockdowns saw the closure of businesses, schools, and other social life activities. International trade was affected by disrupted global travel. Subsequently, it caused a shortage of certain goods which trickled down to increased inflation in different parts of the world.

Learn about Events that Radically Changed the World.

13. COVID-19 triggered mental health issues

According to the National Library of Medicine findings, COVID-19 spiked the psychiatric distress situation in the world. This information is captured in their 2019 report titled Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Mental Health.

Additionally, COVID-19 sparked mental challenges such as stress, anxiety, and isolation. It also amplified the pre-existing mental health problems.

14. The pandemic sparked innovation

COVID-19 forced many industries to advance their technological know-how to remain afloat. For instance, there was an increased embrace of telehealth. Hence virtual medical appointments and telemedicine became a norm.

Further, remote working, learning, and online shopping saw a spike in demand. In the field of science and health, they pushed their boundaries to come up with the COVID-19 vaccines.

15. COVID-19 disrupted the world

A sign of temporary closure at the Downer Theatre in Wisconsin, US, due to Covid-19 by Tom Barrett on Unsplash

Every industry was affected in different ways. For example, the entertainment space bore cancellation or postponement of concerts, sporting events, and other gatherings. Moreover, other sectors such as education and the business world were closed and had to figure out ways to remain operational.

16. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global solidarity

The pandemic elicited global cooperation where all countries worked together to fight the health crisis. International solidarity was also felt throughout the globe. For example, food donations were distributed to the needy as an act of solidarity. Also, various forums including companies bought protective gear for healthcare workers.

17. The virus has mutated several times

The SARS-CoV-2, virus which is responsible for causing COVID-19 changed into different forms. Such as the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants.

18. COVID-19 caused a surge in personal protective equipment

A medic dressed in covid-19 PPE by Hosein Zanbori from Unsplash

Masks were the least personal protective equipment (PPE) required for everyone throughout the globe. Thus, increasing the demand for the same. Gloves and gowns were also compulsory protective gear for medics worldwide. Hence the demand for this equipment saw an upward trend.

19. COVID-19 vaccines development and distribution was a global effort

The innovation of vaccines was a task force of scientists, public health officials, and governments from around the globe. After the development of the vaccines, distribution followed the same footprints of togetherness.

Get to know the History of Vaccines.

20. The prevention measures are simple

Photo by Alex Azabache from Unsplash

The recommended COVID-19 prevention tactics are wearing masks, regularly washing hands, and ensuring social distancing. While there are many other guidelines for prevention, these three remain the core.

Here are extra top facts about Covid-19

21. COVID-19 changed the world and its effects will remain a mark for many years in the future.

22. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person.

23. The COVID-19 pandemic renewed interest in the world for more concern in public health and disease prevention.

24. COVID-19 diagnosis can be done through laboratory respiratory or blood sample testing.

That is our round-up of the Top 20 Facts about Covid-19.