COVID-19, short for “Coronavirus Disease 2019,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
A pandemic refers to an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.
Asymptomatic individuals are infected with the virus but do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. They can still spread the virus to others, making them a significant concern for transmission.
Quarantine is a period of isolation imposed on individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease, such as COVID-19, to prevent its spread. It typically lasts for 10-14 days to monitor for the development of symptoms.
Social distancing involves maintaining physical distance from others to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This may include avoiding large gatherings, keeping a minimum distance of six feet from others in public spaces, and limiting non-essential travel.
PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. In the context of COVID-19, PPE includes items like masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns worn by healthcare workers and the general public to prevent infection.
A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. COVID-19 vaccines help prevent illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against it.
Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the population becomes immune to a disease, either through vaccination or prior infection, reducing the likelihood of further spread. Achieving herd immunity is a critical goal in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
A mutation is a change in the genetic sequence of a virus, resulting in the emergence of new variants. COVID-19 has undergone several mutations, some of which have raised concerns due to their potential impact on transmission, severity, and vaccine effectiveness.
A lockdown involves strict measures imposed by authorities to restrict movement and activities within a community or region to contain the spread of COVID-19. This may include closure of non-essential businesses, schools, and public spaces, as well as stay-at-home orders for residents.