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Remembering and Hope for the Future

Glossary

COVID-19 or coronavirus – is a virus. Viruses are really small germs that carry illnesses. It is an air born disease i.e. it is carried through the air and is respiratory, i.e. it infects the nose and throat. (It is also known as SARS-CoV-2 as it is related to other viruses known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.)
Virus – a type of germ that can cause disease. Viruses cause minor sicknesses like colds, common illnesses like the flu, and very serious diseases like smallpox.
Antibodies - substances in your blood that react with a foreign invader such as a germ or something you are allergic to (allergen). In some cases, you develop antibodies when you have an infection so you are less likely to have it again.
Immune – is to be protected. If you are immune to a particular illness or disease then you cannot get sick from it.
Pneumonia - an infection of the lungs, usually caused by viruses or bacteria.
Influenza - an infectious disease that is caused by a virus. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, fever, and headache. Influenza is commonly known as the flu.
Pandemic - an outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads across a large region (for example a continent), or even worldwide
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks, including items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, masks, gowns. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).