Adventures of the Novel Coronavirus by Elvira Killana

What about novel influenza (flu) viruses? This is necessary to develop potential treatments and vaccines. Since these viruses had not been seen in humans, scientists and researchers must learn how the virus infects human cells and causes disease. Over time, these viruses change so they can attach to different host cells, allowing them to enter the cells of new species.

When animal coronaviruses evolve and are able to infect humans, these viruses are considered to be novel. The other three, including SARS-CoV-2, can cause more serious illnesses, like pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections. They make up 10% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections in adults. Today, there are seven coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, that are known to affect humans.įour of the seven human coronaviruses cause mild to moderate illness. The word “corona” means “crown.” The first human coronaviruses were identified in the mid-1960s. What is a novel coronavirus?Ĭoronaviruses are a family of viruses named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. This means that the bug is either brand new or was only found in animals or other life forms. The word “novel” comes from the Latin word “novus,” which means “new.” In medicine, “novel” refers to a virus or bacteria that wasn’t known to affect humans. What does ‘novel’ mean in medicine and virology? But over the last two decades, three coronaviruses have jumped from animals to humans and led to serious, widespread illness and death. It’s very rare that animal coronaviruses jump to people and then spread among people. When they do, they cause upper respiratory infections - like the common cold. But they can jump from animals to humans. Most infect animals like pigs, camels, bats, and cats. There are hundreds of different coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a “novel coronavirus.” This means it’s different from all viruses like it.

Adventures of the Novel Coronavirus by Elvira Killana