Intermediate – Advanced Level

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

How did the coronavirus disease start?

Several of the early cases had visited Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market and so the virus is thought to have a zoonotic origin. The virus that caused the outbreak is known as SARS‐CoV‐2, a newly discovered virus closely related to bat coronaviruses, pangolin coronaviruses, and SARS-CoV.

The scientific consensus is that COVID-19 has a natural origin. The probable bat-to-human infection may have been among people processing bat carcasses and guano in the production of traditional Chinese medicines.

 

How dangerous is COVID-19?

Although for most people COVID-19 causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre- existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

What are the main coronavirus symptoms?

Fever, cough or chest tightness, myalgia, fatigue and dyspnea are the main symptoms reported.

Is coronavirus a bacteria or virus?

The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Listen to vocabulary words related to the topic :

Vocabulary words:

Illness/Disease – doença

Ranging- Variando

Strain – Tensão

Identified – Identificado

Seafood Wholesale Market: Mercado Atacadista de Frutos do Mar

Zoonotic Origins- Origem Zoonótica

Outbreak – Surto

Scientific Consensus -Consenso científico

Mild – Leve

High Blood Pressure – Pressao alta

Cough – Tosse

Dysponea – Dispneia

Droplets – Gotas

Sneeze – Espirrar

Rub – Esfregar

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