Coronavirus, Covid–19, pandemic – what do all these words mean?
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A guide to many of the terms flying about in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that range from the common cold to MERS coronavirus (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).
Coronaviruses typically cause respiratory symptoms. There are no specific treatments for the virus itself, but symptoms can be treated.
Where do coronaviruses come from?
Coronaviruses are circulating in animals and some have the capability of transmitting between animals and humans. It is called a spillover event.
Covid–19
Covid–19 is the illness caused by the new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. It can cause a cough and/ or a fever or high temperature. It primarily affects the lungs.
Virus
A tiny agent that copies itself inside the living cells of any organism. Viruses can cause these cells to die and interrupt the body's normal chemical processes, causing disease.
Flatten the curve
To slow the transmission rate so the peak in terms of numbers of cases is flattened into a smoother curve when drawn on a chart. The aim of "flattening the curve" is to prevent a very high instance of coronavirus cases overloading health services.
Lockdown
Restrictions on movement or daily life, where public buildings are closed and people told to stay at home. Lockdowns have been imposed in several countries including the UK as part of drastic efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus.
Pandemic
An epidemic of serious disease spreading rapidly in many countries at the same time.
Self-isolation
Staying inside and avoiding all contact with other people, with the aim of preventing the spread of disease.
Social distancing
Keeping away from other people, with the aim of slowing down transmission of a disease. The government advises not seeing friends or relatives other than those you live with, working from home where possible, and avoiding public transport.
Social distancing measures are for everyone, including children. We should all be trying to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
Social distancing measures should be used when people are living in their own homes, with or without additional support from friends, family and carers.
Shielding
Shielding is for people, including children, who are at very high risk of severe illness from Covid–19.
Shielding measures should be used when an extremely vulnerable person is living in their own home, with or without additional support. This includes extremely vulnerable people living in long-term care facilities.
WHO – World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
It is the organisation that can officially declare an incident a pandemic.
