With the advent of the pandemic, we’ve all become quite adept with the term ‘covid 19’. But, what does Covid 19 stand for?
Coronavirus or Covid 19 refers to a specific disease that primarily affects the respiratory system in human beings.
Although absent to the human eye, the current pandemic has been a worldwide display of the potency of this virus. This tiny, invisible creature can snatch your life off your hands in no time.
Just like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Covid 19 is caused by a virus. These specially-able viruses have been named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
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What does Covid 19 stand for?
Coronavirus originated from a lab in Wuhan city, China. The full form of the name is Coronavirus Virus Disease. The 19 in the name stands for 2019, the year of the outbreak. Thus, the COVID-19 full form stands as Coronavirus Disease of 2019.
A coronavirus is a group of viruses that have been known to affect humans and animals alike. However, only seven have been known to affect humans.
Of these seven, four coronaviruses cause the symptoms of the common cold in human beings. Whereas the other three are more harmful and dangerous. These include:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) in 2002,
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in 2012, and
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019.
Viruses are almost always named according to the genetic pattern or the family they belong to. However, the diseases that they cause are called according to their action on the human body.
For example, the varicella-zoster virus is the name of the virus that can cause both chickenpox and shingles. Therefore, it is commonly said that if you have one, you may have the other.
Similarly, there are many strains of coronavirus. But the one that has currently caused havoc in your life has been named SARS-CoV-2. At the same time, the disease it causes is called Covid 19. This is purely about its structure and the kind of action that the virus has on human beings.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Some of the common symptoms include:
- cough,
- fever, and
- shortness of breath.
Since these symptoms are similar to the flu, it is essential to get yourself tested at the earliest.
Causes of covid-19
Covid 19 is caused through transmission. However, there are various modes of transmission. But you can only acquire this virus by direct contact.
For example, if you are seated at a bus stop, and an infected person sits beside you, you may not get it unless the following scenario arises:
- Both you and the infected person are without masks. The infected person sneezes, and you acquire the virus via droplets.
- The infected person touches his nose or mouth and puts his hand on the seat. Then, unconsciously, you touch the same spot and then touch your face. You will then acquire the virus from the surface.
The coronavirus is highly potent and can survive on surfaces for an extended period.
Moreover, the virus can be killed by simple disinfectants. This is why it is advisable to wear a mask, practice social distance, and constantly sanitize your hands.