Coronavirus
It is essential to distinguish between the term “coronavirus” and the terms “SARS-CoV-2” and “COVID-19”. In 2019, a virus identified in China was officially named “SARS-CoV-2” (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). This virus is part of the coronavirus family.
The term “COVID-19” refers to the disease caused by the virus. The acronym stands for “CO” (corona), “VI” (virus), and “D” (disease).
There are several types of coronaviruses:
- SARS-CoV: identified in China in 2002
- MERS-CoV: discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012
- SARS-CoV-2: first identified in China in December 2019. It shares similarities with SARS, but unlike SARS, it is contagious from the onset of symptoms, even in the absence of symptoms.
Coronaviruses can infect both humans and animals. First identified in humans in 1960, these viruses cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe pneumonia.
The incubation period for coronaviruses is typically between 3 and 5 days. Due to their high mutation rate, similar to that of the flu, they cause emerging infections.