2 ms·
Why do we still call it "The Coronavirus", despite the fact that the common cold is caused by coronaviruses and rhinoviruses [1]? Like, with the H1N1 flu we had
by dr_dshiv 7y ago
Why do we still call it "The Coronavirus", despite the fact that the common cold is caused by coronaviruses and rhinoviruses [1]? Like, with the H1N1 flu we had a more specific name.
Isn't it morally important to provide the public with nuance? i.e., "there is a bad version of the common cold this year, so watch out, especially if you are over 60".
[1] Falsey, A. R., Walsh, E. E., & Hayden, F. G. (2002). Rhinovirus and coronavirus infection-associated hospitalizations among older adults. The Journal of infectious diseases, 185(9), 1338-1341.
- 101404 7y agoBecause "journalism".
- spartas 7y agoSARS-CoV-2 is that "more specific name". I agree that it didn't help that it went without a specific name for a long period of time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndrome_coronavirus_2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severe_acute_respiratory_syndr...
- JohnStrangeII 7y agoWhy not? The name is easy to use and to pronounce and there is zero chance to confuse it with something else in the current context.
- ocho 7y agoAbout 2 months ago people had no idea what this new pneumonia-related disease is. It was called "The Mystery Flu" by NYT... https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/world/asia/china-SARS-pneumonialike.html https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/world/asia/china-SARS-pne... It is not related to the "seasonal flu". It has been sequenced by chinese scientest very rapidly and it has been found to be a completely new virus. That why everyone is so excited about it. We don't know yet if its coming from bats, pigs, dogs, chicken or whatever. Bam! Its not fucking "seasonal flu". We already have that also.