Covid-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) is an acute, sometimes severe, respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.  

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of respiratory viruses that are common in many animal species, although in rare cases they can mutate and infect humans, spreading throughout the population. 

Seven human coronaviruses have been detected, to date, including SARS-CoV-2.

From the identification of the virus to the pandemic

On 9 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that the Chinese health authorities had identified a new strain of coronavirus that had hitherto never been identified in humans.
The virus is associated with an outbreak of atypical pneumonia cases reported since 31 December 2019. The first cases in Italy were recorded in February 2020. In March 2020, the WHO declared a state of pandemic.
On 5 May 2023, WHO officially declared the end of the health emergency linked to SARS-CoV-2. The virus has not disappeared, but Covid-19 is now one of the infectious diseases we have to live with. 

Symptoms and treatment

People infected with SARS-CoV-2 may or may not show symptoms of the disease (in the latter case, they are referred to as “asymptomatic”) and can easily transmit the virus to people they come into close contact with, especially in crowded indoor spaces, through respiratory droplets produced when coughing, sneezing or talking. 

 

The symptoms that may appear in case of infection are very similar to those of seasonal flu: cough, fever, muscle and joint pain, headache and vomiting. Other symptoms more specific to Covid-19 can also appear, like loss of sense of taste and smell. In many cases, the disease is mild or moderate, although particularly vulnerable people (i.e. affected by rare diseases, with pre-existing organ damage, chronic heart and respiratory diseases, etc.) are more at risk of developing severe forms. In children, on the other hand, the infection causes symptoms similar to those in adults but often in a very mild form. 

 

No specific treatment for the disease has yet been identified. Your family doctor can advise you on medication (the most commonly used are antivirals and anti-inflammatories) and any precautions to take. 

Virus mutations and COVID-19 vaccines

In December 2020, less than a year after the discovery of the virus, a vaccine was already available for large-scale use. The COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign was rapidly rolled out among the entire population, with priority assigned on the basis of factors such as the risk of contracting a severe form of the disease, the types of vaccines approved (messenger RNA, protein subunit or viral vector) and vaccine availability. 

Vaccinations
Why vaccines are safe
False information circulates about this tool. Yet vaccines are constantly monitored. Learn about the development stages.

Vaccines have proven to be useful in preventing transmission, but above all they are very effective in preventing the occurrence of severe forms of the disease, therefore drastically reducing the number of hospitalisations and deaths. 

 

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolves, genetic variants are emerging, which means that the vaccination campaign must continue in much the same way as the seasonal flu vaccination campaign, with an annual booster, which is strongly recommended for elderly or frail people. 

In line with the National Pandemic Preparedness Plan, in 2022 the Region of Puglia adopted a “Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan” (PanFlu Puglia 2021-2023, under Regional Council Resolution No. 262 of 28 February 2022).  

 

The Covid-19 emergency has highlighted the need to question the effectiveness of epidemic risk alert and response systems. The Plan aims to define the key preparedness measures to be taken, in order to properly prepare for the possible occurrence of the next pandemic caused by airborne pathogens and identify the most effective tools for prevention, rapid identification and epidemic monitoring, care and treatment of infected people. 

 

In accordance with the National Plan, and given the impossibility of predicting all scenarios, the Regional Preparedness and Response Plan sets out the essential actions, activities and approaches that decision-makers and operatives must engage in and adapt to as the situation evolves. The Plan therefore aims to streamline both the decision-making process and ensure the best rational use of resources, with effective integration, coordination and communication management. It is also consistent with other planning documents prepared by the Region of Puglia, such as the Prevention Plan. 

Just a little protection at every age

The vaccination schedule is with you through every stage of life. Take part in the free COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Infectious Disease Prevention Centers Map 

You can prevent Covid. Interactively discover the places closest to you where you can get vaccination against Covid-19. Move from one icon to another and enjoy a continuous journey through the opportunities available for your health and that of your loved ones