These questions and answers were provided to Musazilla by the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, a Britannica partner. They originally appeared on HudsonAlpha's Shareable Science blog. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, some of this information may have changed since this list was last updated on April 27, 2020. Get the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Diseases and the World Health Organization
What are COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2?
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a respiratory infection first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.It is caused by a new type of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Viruses and the diseases they cause often have different names.
What are coronaviruses and where do they come from?
coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, so named because the studded proteins on their surface protrude like the tips of a crown. These spikes help the virus attach itself to cells so it can enter.They are zoonotic, meaning they can sometimes be passed between animals and humans. A January 2020 genetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that it may have passed through one or more animal species before being transmitted to humans.
How does this virus compare to SARS, MERS, influenza and the common cold?
coronaviruses generally cause mild upper respiratory tract infections, such as: B. a cold. But three times in the last 18 years, outbreaks of the coronavirus have resulted in serious illnesses worldwide: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2002, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) in 2012 and now COVID-19.Seasonal flu is caused by different types and strains of the influenza virus, a completely different family of viruses. The World Health Organization lists the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and influenza. Unlike COVID-19, scientists have been studying the flu for decades, and much is known about the symptoms, risk of infection, and ways to treat seasonal flu.