Covid-19

Information on Covid-19

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus, detected in 2019, which can lead to the disease Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the family of coronaviruses, which can cause disease symptoms of varying severity. The epidemiological situation in Switzerland has eased considerably. Despite the virus still circulating within the population, the risk of a severe course of infection for individuals without certain risk factors is very low. 

For more information please see the page of the Federal Office of Public Health.

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Infection

An infection mainly occurs via small droplets and aerosols (tiny droplets). These are expelled, for example, when coughing, sneezing, speaking loudly or singing. Infections through direct contact with contaminated surfaces play a minor role. 

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Symptoms

The symptoms are similar to a normal cold with or without fever, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, cough, breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath and muscle aches; other complaints such as skin rashes, conjunctivitis and gastro-intestinal symptoms are also possible.

The temporary loss of the sense of taste and smell is typical. 

The illness is often mild in younger and healthy people, and it can be assumed that they will recover quickly. Older people and/or people with existing risk factors may suffer severe symptoms, whereby life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, coagulation disorders or heart problems may occur.

Long Covid

Besides triggering acute courses of diseases, a Covid-19 infection can also lead to long lasting disorders of various kinds. For example chronic fatigue, loss of energy, shortness of breath, as well as digestive or psychic disorders. These conditions are known as post-covid-19 illness, long covid or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). The treatment focuses on the type of disorder. If needed affected individuals can approach their general practitioner or make an appointment at the University Hospital of Basel for a Post-Covid/Long-Covid consultation.

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Treatment

Treatment consists primarily of symptom relief and management of complications. For individuals with confirmed Covid-19 disease who are at high risk for a severe course, antiviral therapy (further information can be found here) may be appropriate. 

The vaccination remains the most important measure to avoid severe courses of the disease.

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