Re:I have the coronavirus. So far, it isn't that bad
by spartas on Saturday February 29, 2020 @09:06AM
(#22450593)
SARS-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_syndr...
Re:I have the coronavirus. So far, it isn't that bad
by ocho on Saturday February 29, 2020 @09:18AM
(#22450661)
About 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-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.
Re:I have the coronavirus. So far, it isn't that bad
by JohnStrangeII on Saturday February 29, 2020 @09:10AM
(#22450615)
Why 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.
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.