Coronavirus New Words You Should Know

Since COVID-19 has stepped into India, the news and updates about the disease have been overwhelming. 

However, due to technical terms used while delivering the information, it may be hard for some of us to decode the exact meaning. 

So, considering the fact that a little clarity can help loads,  we are deciphering the coronavirus glossary or we can say terminology that you are probably hearing a lot since a few days now. 

These can be of great help in times of complex and widespread crisis like the current coronavirus outbreak.

Read them repeatedly until you get them. 

1. Coronavirus

Coronavirus is an umbrella term used for a family of viruses that exists in the world and causes diseases in humans. The entire family of coronaviruses is known as Coronaviridae. Some of them may even cause minor illnesses like the common cold. 

Notable types of coronaviruses are SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. 

2. COVID-19 

Many of you may not know, but COVID-19 is different from the coronavirus. It is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus. It was first detected in China in December 2019 and has been spreading across the world since then. 

COVID-19 is just a part of the coronavirus. It is also known as novel coronavirus, as it is a new virus.   

3. Asymptomatic

Asymptomatic means producing or showing no symptoms of the disease. But it is not true that an asymptomatic individual is not infected with the novel coronavirus disease. 

For details about Asymptomatic, read Symptomatic, Pre-Symptomatic & Asymptomatic Coronavirus Patients

4. Incubation period

The incubation period is the time period that the coronavirus takes to show symptoms in the body of the affected person. For coronavirus, the incubation period is around 2-14 days. 

5. Pandemic 

The worldwide spread of a disease is called a pandemic. The coronavirus has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after it spread in more than 100 countries. A pandemic has a higher magnitude if compared to an epidemic. 

6. CDC

The full form of CDC is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a leading US federal agency based in Atlanta, Georgia known for protecting the nation’s health.     

7. Community spread

Community spread is a process where the virus spreads in general masses. The source of the infection is unknown in a community spread. But it can be detected when an individual, without having a known origin, i.e. any travel history or interaction with the infected person, contracts the virus. 

CDC suggests that many sources of the coronavirus are from coming in contact with an infected person with travel history. 

8. Isolation 

In the medical context, isolation means complete separation from others or a person suffering from an infectious or contagious disease. It happens when an individual is infected and hence is separated from those who are healthy. Isolation stops the disease from spreading. 

9. Quarantine

Quarantine is a strict isolation that is imposed to prevent the spread of disease. It is different from isolation. People are put in quarantine when they are not currently sick but have or may have been exposed to a communicable disease. This also reduces the spread of the disease. 
Read here: Best Coping Tips to Self Quarantine Effectively At Home

10. Social distancing

Social distancing simply means to keep a safe distance of around 3-6 feet from others. It not only prevents you from contracting COVID-19 but also breaks its chain. 

11. N95-respirator

To ward off the disease, many people are relying on face masks or respirators. These are personal protective equipment used to protect the one wearing it from airborne particles and liquid contaminating the face.  

While face masks might not be as comfortable, respirators have a tighter fitting with an element of air filtration. N95 respirators are clear to be worn by people. 

Read here: When And How To Use Masks To Stay Protected From Coronavirus

12. Comorbidity

Comorbidity is a medical condition where individual contracts more than one disease at a time. When it comes to coronavirus (COVID-19), cases of comorbidity can turn sensitive. 

For instance, if an individual is suffering from high blood pressure as well as diabetes, he/she has comorbidities and hence is at a higher risk for contracting the coronavirus as well. 

13. Flattening the curve

Another commonly used phrase these days is ‘flattening the curve’. What does it mean? It simply means slowing down the rate at which the disease is spreading. The coronavirus curve can be flattened by practicing social distancing, hand hygiene, and taking necessary precautions.  

14. Chloroquine

Chloroquine is a drug used for the treatment of malaria. Although effective for the treatment of SARS, it is yet to be explored if it the possible treatment for COVID-19. Sometimes abbreviated as CQ, the chemical formula of chloroquine is C18H26CIN3. Hydroxychloroquine is a derivative of chloroquine. 

15. Novel

The novel simply means new. The coronavirus known for spreading across the world has not be seen in humans before and therefore is often called the novel coronavirus.  

Also Read

Covid-19 Vaccine to Be Produced by Serum Institute

Who Should Go for Coronavirus Self Quarantine

Conclusion

That was all to be included in the list of basic terms associated with the novel coronavirus. 

We hope learning about them will make the avalanche of coronavirus updates and other information easier for you to understand. 

For more information about the disease, keep visiting our website. Also, download Aarogya Setu App today to stay away from COVID-19.

Also, if you want to purchase coronavirus health insurance, call InsuranceDekho experts at 7551196989 today! 

Stay informed and stay safe!