COVID-19 Overview and Impact

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to COVID-19, including its origin, impact, and health measures.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019, a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Pandemic

A global outbreak of a disease, as declared by the WHO for COVID-19 on March 11, 2020.

SARS-CoV-2

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, identified as the virus causing COVID-19.

Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

A declaration by the WHO indicating a serious health threat that may spread internationally.

Herd immunity

A form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of a population becomes immune.

Vaccination disparity

The unequal distribution of vaccines among different countries or regions, particularly impacting low-income nations.

Quarantine

A period of isolation for individuals who may have been exposed to a contagious disease.

Transmission

The spread of the virus, primarily occurring through respiratory droplets in human-to-human contact.

Incubation period

The time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms, which can vary from 1 to 14 days.

Social distancing

Measures taken to maintain physical distance between people to reduce virus transmission.