When to Use SARS-CoV-2 vs COVID-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, I have edited quite a few manuscripts related to the pandemic. And I have noticed a common mistake among many of them. The authors interchange the terms SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 as if they mean the same thing.
But these terms have different meanings.
SARS-CoV-2 is the abbreviated form of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In other words, SARS-CoV-2 is a virus.
COVID-19 is the abbreviated form of coronavirus disease 2019. In short, COVID-19 is a disease.
The bottom line is that SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. Much like HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The terms for the virus and disease are not interchangeable.
Remember that you always want to use the most accurate words in your writing. This accuracy will increase clarity and avoid miscommunication.
When writing about the pandemic, use SARS-CoV-2 when referring to the virus and COVID-19 when referring to the disease.
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