Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a global concern since its outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The virus that causes COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses called coronaviruses, which can cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The severity of the disease can vary from person to person, and symptoms may include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others may develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or even die. COVID-19 can also co-infect with bacterial pneumonia, which can exacerbate the severity of the illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, leading to significant socio-economic impacts. Governments and medical organizations around the world have implemented strategies to try to control the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, mask-wearing, and contact tracing. Research continues to uncover new information about COVID-19, including potential treatments and vaccines. The international community is collaborating to share knowledge and resources to tackle the crisis. The International Journal of Coronaviruses aims to provide a platform for researchers and healthcare professionals to publish and access up-to-date scientific knowledge about coronaviruses, including COVID-19.