Describes the clinical disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Covid-19 is the clinical disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is mostly a respiratory transmitted infection causing a viral pneumonia that can lead to an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome similar to that of SARS. However, it has significant differences in transmissibility that have made it far more widespread though case fatality is much lower.
From Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
