Terms

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and is short for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

COVID-19 disease is an infection caused by a coronavirus.

Throughout this site we will use the term Covid, when referring to SARS-CoV-2.

Background information about Covid

Covid disease is an infection caused by a coronavirus.

There are many types of coronavirus. Some affect the throat and the lungs. Illnesses from viruses range from the common cold and flu-like illnesses, to more severe diseases such as severe flu and pneumonia.

Pneumonia is also commonly caused by bacteria. Antibiotics only treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Usual antibiotics do not treat coronavirus. You may have been given antibiotics if you were very unwell in case there was also a bacterial infection.

The virus causing Covid is new and was first recognised in China in December 2019.

The full name of the virus is SARS-CoV-2. SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. It spreads easily between humans by droplets in the air caused by coughing and sneezing.

Some people have had very severe disease. However, others may not be aware they have had it. Scientists are trying to work out why it affects people so differently.