Basics
What causes Covid-19?
SARS-CoV-2
How is Covid-19 primarily transmitted?
Droplets
How does SARS-CoV-2 enter host cells?
Viral spikes attach and fuse with the host cells
Why does mutation rate matter for vaccines?
Faster mutation makes immunity less effective
What is zoonotic transmission?
Transmission from animals to humans
What type of genetic material do coronaviruses contain?
RNA
Through which body openings does the virus enter?
Nose and mouth
What happens after the virus enters the cell?
It hijacks it to be able to replicate
Why does influenza require yearly vaccines?
It mutates rapidly
Name two zoonotic viruses.
Ebola, Covid-19, Lyme disease, rabies, malaria
Why are they called 'corona" viruses?
Bc of their crown-like protein spikes
In what environment does covid spread best?
Crowded, enclosed places
Why do RNA viruses mutate easily?
They lack proofreading during replication
What benefit does a slower mutation rate have?
Longer lasting immunity and vaccination effectiveness
Why is human expansion into animal habitats concerning?
It increases the risk of new viral outbreaks
How many coronaviruses can infect humans?
7
What environmental factor damages coronaviruses?
UV sunlight
What makes coronaviruses unique among RNA viruses?
They have a proofreading enzyme
How long does covid immunity last?
It is unclear, there is no determined amount of time yet
Were vaccines available for coronaviruses before covid?
No
Which corona virus causes severe lung disease?
SAR-CoV & MERS-CoV
Why do new viruses spread easily?
Bc humans lack preexisting immunity
How does proofreading affect mutation?
It slows mutation
What allows coronaviruses to remain genetically stable?
Proofreading replication enzymes
Why is future coronavirus research important?
To prevent future pandemics