Understanding the Differences Between SARS and COVID-19: What Everyone Needs to Know

As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, understanding the nuances between SARS and COVID-19 is crucial. While the media often refers to the virus and the disease as 'COVID-19,' a closer look at the terminology provides clarity on the different designations used for both. This article aims to clarify these concepts and provide a deeper understanding of the coronavirus family.

Terminology and Naming Conventions

The naming of diseases and viruses has evolved, shedding light on the intricate process of classification. While 'SARS' is a straightforward name, it is not entirely unique as it pertains to several diseases. To address this, new designations like 'COV19' (COronaVIrus Disease and the two digits of the year) offer distinct identifiers to help distinguish between different outbreaks in the future. The phrase 'naming things is hard' applies here, as it does in many aspects of life, from programming to building a car model.

SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-1 refers to the virus that caused the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2002-2003. It is distinct from the SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the ongoing global pandemic known as COVID-19. The naming of these viral entities reflects their chronological distinction and unique characteristics within the broader coronavirus family.

The Spectrum of Coronaviruses

A large family of viruses, coronaviruses share a common feature: a crown-like structure of spikes. The coronavirus family is vast, with seven known to infect humans. These include:

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, 1) No longer circulating: SARS 1,2 Five others causing common colds

Notably, SARS-CoV-1 has been successfully eradicated, and its quarantine measures can serve as a model for future viral outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is one of these coronaviruses with a specific manifestation within its broader category.

The Virus and the Disease: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 is the name of the virus itself, responsible for the pandemic. When the virus was initially identified in Wuhan, it was simply referred to as Novel CVO2. Over time, the official naming conventions shifted to COVID-19. This transition reflects the disease caused by the virus, which involves symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing due to the virus invading the lung alveoli, leading to a cytokine storm that can be fatal.

COVID-19 is more than just the name of a symptom; it encompasses a disease driven by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The name follows a logical progression: the 'COV' stands for 'corona virus,' and '19' denotes the year of its discovery.

Variants and Evolution

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is not static, and it frequently mutates. These mutations give rise to variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron. Each variant has its own unique designation:

Alpha: Also known as B.1.1.7 Beta: B.1.351 Delta: B.1.617.2 Omicron: B.1.1.529 or B.1.1.2 (twice as infectious as B.1.1.1)

Each variant has specific characteristics, such as increased viral load or transmissibility. For instance, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is highly contagious and has unique mutations that make it distinctly different from previous variants. These mutations can alter the virus's behavior, potentially affecting where it resides and the severity of the disease it causes (e.g., in the bronchi rather than the alveoli).

Testing and Public Health Impact

Most self-testing kits for COVID-19 use the term 'COVID-19' on the chromatography devices, even though they test for SARS-CoV-2 antigens. This consistency in terminology supports clarity and accessibility in public health messaging. However, as new variants emerge, public health campaigns must adapt to ensure the public remains informed and vigilant.

Conclusion: Understanding the terminological distinctions between SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 is essential for effective communication and public health measures. As the pandemic evolves, ongoing efforts to classify and respond to viral threats continue, leveraging the insights gained from each variant.