SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Definition

SARS-CoV-2 is a type of coronavirus that causes the illness known as COVID-19. It was first identified in late 2019 and can lead to symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing.

Related terms

SARS-CoV (Severe acute respiratory syndrome):

While similar to SARS-CoV in terms of causing respiratory illness, SARS-CoV-2 has distinct characteristics and spreads more easily. Both viruses belong to the same family but are different strains.

MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome):

Unlike MERS-CoV, which primarily affects the Middle East region, SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally and caused a pandemic. However, both viruses share similarities in terms of their impact on the respiratory system.

Pandemic: COVID-19 is considered a pandemic because it has spread over multiple countries or continents affecting a large number of people. Understanding pandemics helps us implement measures to control the spread and protect public health.