SARS-CoV-2 and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19, including virus characteristics, infection mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and associated complications.

SARS-CoV-2

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2; the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19

Contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations including respiratory, vascular, and neurologic diseases.

Spike (S) Protein

Protein on SARS-CoV-2 that binds to ACE2 on host cells to initiate infection.

ACE2

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; receptor on host cells that SARS-CoV-2 binds to for cell entry.

Cytokine Storm Syndrome

A hyperimmune response characterized by excessive amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to severe complications.

Mortality Rate

Percentage of deaths in a population due to a specific cause; for COVID-19, worldwide mortality is approximately 1.0%.

Thrombotic complications

Blood clotting issues that arise in COVID-19 patients, affecting cardiovascular health.

Asymptomatic Infection

Infection with the virus without showing symptoms; approximately 20-40% of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals are asymptomatic.

Neurologic Symptoms

Cognitive or sensory symptoms associated with COVID-19, including headache, confusion, and loss of taste or smell.

Persistent COVID-19 Disease

Symptoms that continue long after the acute phase of COVID-19, such as fatigue, cognitive issues, and respiratory problems.