The novel coronavirus set in motion a global pandemic that the world is still attempting to understand, treat, and grapple with.
The Biology and Transmission of COVID-19
Viruses, including the coronavirus, are transmitted via coughing, sneezing, and exhaling, uncontrollable behaviors that increase transmission from person to person. People can contract the virus through droplets expelled into the air or by touching a surface with those droplets and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Research suggests that each person with the novel coronavirus spreads it to two to four new people. If left unabated, the number of cases then grows exponentially. This trend is exacerbated by the fact that many COVID-19 cases are mild, so individuals may not yet know they are infected.
The goal of quarantine, social distancing, and other restrictive measures is to slow the spread of the disease so that the number of cases does not overwhelm the health care system. This concept is known as flattening the curve. In practice, however, this process is messy and difficult. It’s challenging for individuals to grasp how the small actions they take may influence the overall progression of the pandemic.
Almost everyone with the virus passes it along to a few new people. If the number of infected individuals continues to double unconstrained, the prevalence of cases rises exponentially.
Explore More About Coronavirus Disease 2019
For a comprehensive understanding of coronavirus disease 2019, read our complete guide: