COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread globally, leading to a pandemic. The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talking, as well as by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and in severe cases, pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. It can affect people of all ages, though older adults and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for serious illness. Preventive measures include wearing masks, social distancing, hand hygiene, and vaccination. Vaccines have been developed and distributed worldwide to help control the spread of the virus and reduce the severity of the disease. The pandemic has had significant impacts on global health, economies, and daily life.
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a transformative shift toward telehealth, significantly increasing virtual healthcare visits and making care more accessible. Telemedicine democratized healthcare, breaking down geographical and logistical barriers, and gaining…
Telemedicine became crucial for kidney patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing access to care. Federal waivers allowed for the integration of virtual care into kidney treatment practices. A study found…