COVID-19 and Respiratory Viruses Lecture

Flashcards covering key concepts related to COVID-19, coronaviruses, and respiratory viruses.

COVID-19

An infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in December 2019.

SARS-CoV-2

The virus responsible for COVID-19, believed to have originated in horseshoe bats.

Coronaviruses

A family of viruses known for causing respiratory illnesses, including the common cold and serious diseases such as SARS and MERS.

ACE2 receptor

A receptor found on human cells that SARS-CoV-2 attaches to, facilitating infection.

Incubation period

The time period between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms; for SARS-CoV-2, it's typically 2 to 14 days.

Spike protein

A protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that allows it to enter human cells, targeted by vaccines.

Vaccination

The process of receiving a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to protect against specific diseases.

mRNA vaccine

A type of vaccine that uses messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein similar to a viral protein, prompting an immune response.

Asymptomatic carrier

An individual who is infected with a virus but shows no symptoms and can still spread the virus.

Epidemic

A sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in a population.

Emerging viruses

Viruses that are newly identified or have recently increased in incidence, often leading to public health concerns.

Pangolin

A mammal believed to be an intermediary host in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from bats to humans.

Influenza

A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, capable of causing epidemics.

RNA genome

The genetic material composed of ribonucleic acid found in some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

Symptomatology

The branch of medicine that deals with the symptoms of diseases and their diagnosis.

Pathogenesis

The development and progression of disease, including the mechanisms by which it affects the body.