U08: Personal history of COVID-19

The term "Personal history of COVID-19" refers to an individual who has previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, a viral illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated by the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Common symptoms can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, although many people also experience fatigue, body aches, loss of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Symptoms often develop 2-14 days after exposure. Some people can be asymptomatic, carrying and transmitting the virus without showing symptoms. Disease progression varies widely, from mild, self-limiting symptoms to severe illness requiring hospital care and potentially developing into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The primary system affected is the respiratory system, but the virus can also have systemic effects, impacting the cardiovascular, digestive, and neurological systems.