Coronaviruses, which are a set of viruses with a common origin, have existed for thousands of years. According to recent studies its direct ancestor is considered to be around 12,000 years old.
Although not all strains of coronavirus affect humans, the variant originated in China in 2019 (SARS-CoV-2), which produces the COVID-19 pathology that generated the pandemic we are still living, has been explosive in its contagiousness and severity. Hence the importance of getting vaccinated and following all the indications to prevent the spread of this disease and its new variants.
It is possible to contract the virus by having contact with an infected person, since it is spread through respiratory fluids that are projected when coughing, speaking, or sneezing, as well as touching surfaces or objects where these fluids have fallen.
Potential risks:
Most people who get sick with COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms, although there are also asymptomatic cases. However, there are times when serious complications appear that can be fatal, especially for older adults or people with pre-existing conditions that make them vulnerable to the virus, such as:
- Obesity.
- Cardiovascular pathologies.
- Cancer.
- High blood pressure.
- Lung diseases.
- Diabetes.
- Smoking and drug addiction.
- Kidney and/or liver failure.
- Asthma.
- Nervous system disorders.
- Down syndrome.
- Any disease or drug treatment that weakens the immune system.
A severe condition from COVID-19 can lead to serious complications such as:
- Cardiac involvement.
- Breathing difficulties and pneumonia.
- Serious kidney damage.
- Clots.
- Presence of opportunistic viral and bacterial infections.
- General organ failure.