What it means
Some coronaviruses cause ordinary colds. Others cause serious lung illness, such as SARS, MERS and COVID-19, which is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. They spread mainly through respiratory droplets and smaller particles in the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
For the nurse
Follow your facility's current precautions for COVID-19, which can change. Teach vaccination, hand hygiene, covering coughs and staying home when sick.
Remember it
"Corona" is Latin for crown.
At a glance
| Spanish | coronavirus |
|---|---|
| Also written | coronaviruses |
Related terms
sneezing
A sudden, forceful burst of air out through the nose and mouth, set off by irritation inside the nose.
communicable disease
A disease that can spread from one person, or animal, to another.
common cold
A mild viral infection of the nose and throat.