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The SARS-CoV-2 virus, a Gram-positive, single-stranded RNA virus, that is responsible for the Covid-19 infection.

Gram-Positive

Single-Stranded

RNA virus

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Type of Virus: RNA virus

Species: Coronaviridae

Genus: Betacoronavirus

Structure: The virus has a lipid bilayer envelope containing spike proteins that are crucial for the ability to infect host cells.

Genome: Single-stranded RNA virus, with a genome roughly 30,0000 nucleotides long.

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Primary Mode: Respiratory droplets- talking, coughs, sneezes, or breaths

Secondary Mode: Aerosol Transmission- smaller particles can remain suspended in the air for longer periods of times.

Fomites: Survives on various for lengths of time- plastic, metal, glass.

Contraction: Touching- mouth, nose, or eyes.

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Spike Protein (s- protein):

Virulence Factor: The spike protein of SARS-Cov-2 is the virus's ability to infect host cells.

The spike protein binds to the ACE2 Receptor on the surface of the human cell.

Pathogenicity Contribution: After binding to the ACE2, the virus undergoes fusion with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral RNA to enter the host cell and replicate.

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-Common Symptoms

Fever

Cough

Fatigue

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Sore throat

Loss of taste or smell

Headache

Chills

Congestion

Nausea or vomiting

-Severe Symptoms

Pneumonia

Acute respiratory distress

Multi-system organ failure

Death

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Diagnostic Test: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

RT-PCR ( Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction

The test looks to detects the viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2

It works by taking a sample from the patients respiratory tract

The test is done by taking a sample from the back of the throat or the nose using a long swab, from there sent to the laboratory where it is tested for the presence of the virus's genetic material. This process takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Alternate Test Methods:

Antigen test: These test detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus, they are faster but less sensitive compared to the PCR test.

Antibody Test: These test detect the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, indicating past infections or immune responses.

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At Home Treatments:

Rest

Fluids

Isolation

Over-the-counter Medication

Seeking Medical Treatment:

Veklury (remdesivir) Antiviral- For adults and children

Molnupiravir (Lagevrio) Antiviral- For adults

Antiviral Medications works by inhibiting the enzyme RNA- dependent RNA polymerase. This enzyme is crucial for the replication of viral RNA in infected cells.

By targeting the viral replication process, the antiviral medications prevents SARS-CoV-2 from multiplying.

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Post-Acute Seguelae:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Cognitive issues

Sleep Disturbances

Joint pain

Anxiety and Depression

Loss of taste or smell

Organ damage

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Vaccines:

Pfizer-BioNTech

Moderna

Johnson & Johnson

AstraZeneca

Social Distancing

Mask Wearing

Hand Hygiene

Surface Disinfection

Quarantine

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Global Epidemiology:

As of 2025, there have been over 750 million reported cases world wide

6.8 million deaths globally

The distribution of Covid-19 cases has varied widley across regions, North America, Europe, and Asia experiencing the highest numbers of cases and deaths.

SAR-CoV-2 has mutated over time leading to new variants like Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.

United States Epidemiology:

As of 2025, 110 million cases reported

Roughly 70% of the United States has at least one does of a vaccine

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Egbuna, C. (Ed.). (2022). Coronavirus drug discovery: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment(Vol. 1). Elsevier. ​Barnes & Noble+3LibroWorld+3Google Books+3

Sources

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (n.d.). Coronaviruses. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/coronaviruses​

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 11, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21214-coronavirus-covid-19​

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, March 10). Types of COVID-19 treatment. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved April 11, 2025.

Gupta, D., Sahoo, A. K., & Singh, A. (2020). Ivermectin: Potential candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 24(4), 369–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjid.2020.06.002​