Understanding Coronavirus

The origin, transmission, and cause of COVID-19, as well as its potential long-term effects, are explained by a leading expert in this concise and accessible introduction. It also addresses how the virus mutates, how vaccines work, and what we can expect in the near and long-term future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 175 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Since the identification of the first cases of the coronavirus in December 2019, there has been a significant amount of confusion regarding the origin and spread of the so-called coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and the cause of the disease COVID-19. Conflicting messages from the media and officials across different countries and organizations, the abundance of disparate sources of information, unfounded conspiracy theories on the origins of the virus, unproven therapies, and inconsistent public health measures, have all served to increase anxiety in the population.

Where did the virus come from? How is it transmitted? How does it cause disease? Is it like flu? What is a pandemic? In this concise and accessible introduction, a leading expert provides answers to these commonly asked questions. This revised and updated edition now also covers how the virus mutates, how important these mutations are, how vaccines work, and what we can expect in the near and long-term future.

The origins of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, remain a subject of intense investigation and debate. While the virus was first identified in Wuhan, China, there is still uncertainty about its exact origin and the timeline of its emergence. Some experts suggest that the virus may have originated in bats, while others propose that it may have leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan. The transmission of the virus is primarily through respiratory droplets, which can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

The disease caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19, is characterized by a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some individuals may experience more severe symptoms, such as pneumonia, organ failure, and death. The exact mechanism by which the virus causes disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the virus infecting cells in the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation and damage to the lungs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global health and the economy. The virus has spread rapidly across the world, leading to widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures. Millions of people have been infected, and thousands of deaths have been reported. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of public health measures, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

In conclusion, the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and the disease COVID-19 have caused significant confusion and anxiety in the population. While the origins and transmission of the virus remain a subject of investigation, it is clear that the pandemic has had a profound impact on global health and the economy. It is essential that we continue to follow public health measures and work together to find a solution to this global crisis.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 127 x 178 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009088572
Edition number: Revised ed