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When dealing with any illness, it helps to understand the key terms and phrases that surround that illness. This has been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, where people have been confronted with a constant update of news, information, and terms and phrases they may be unfamiliar with.
With that in mind, the below is a list of key terms and phrases that are essential to understanding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Coronavirus. A coronavirus is a virus that looks like it has crown-like spikes on the surface when it’s viewed under a microscope. There are many different types of coronaviruses, including 229E (which causes the common cold) and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19).
- COVID-19. This is an abbreviation for the particular corona (co) virus (vi) disease (d) that was first identified in 2019 (19). Thus, it became known as COVID-19. The term is used to refer to the disease caused by infection with this particular coronavirus.
- Spike protein. A spike protein (also called an S protein) is a protrusion (like a spike) on the surface of a virus that helps the virus attach itself to a cell. Once the virus is attached to healthy cells via the spike protein it begins attacking. Because the spike protein is the link between the virus and the healthy cells, a lot of vaccine and antiviral research is focusing on how to target the spike protein in order to prevent or stop infection.
- Pandemic. While an epidemic is an outbreak of a disease over a large geographical area, a pandemic is an outbreak that stretches across the globe. COVID-19 began in one country and quickly spread across the world, becoming a pandemic.
- Endemic. Endemic is the presence of a disease that is consistent, stable, and predictable, which means it will not end, but people will gain immunity through vaccinations and natural infections. Many experts believe COVID-19 will become endemic.
- Variant. A variant occurs when there is one or more changes to the genetic makeup of a virus. Two examples include the Delta variant and the Omicron variant.
- Mutation. A mutation is a change in the genetic makeup of a virus. These changes occur frequently but don’t always change how the virus presents itself.
- PCR test. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is done to find a specific organism such as a virus. A COVID-19 PCR test looks for the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
- Antigen test. This test looks for molecules on the surface of the virus and determines whether or not you have an active infection. It is typically done through a nasal, throat, or saliva swab.
- Asymptomatic. Asymptomatic means you have an infection but show no symptoms. If you are asymptomatic, you can still infect others.
- Positivity rate. This is the percentage of all tests that are positive for the virus.
While knowing these terms can be helpful, your best source of information will be a healthcare provider. If you have concerns about your health or getting vaccinated against COVID-19, talk to a healthcare provider.
