You most likely know a factor or 2 concerning the coronavirus pandemic by now. Or is it an epidemic? Outbreak? Wait… what’s the distinction?
Well being professionals and journalists have been throwing these phrases round lots these days. However since most individuals don’t know precisely what a pandemic or epidemic is — or how they’re completely different — the phrases aren’t all that useful. You would possibly even name them just a little scary (okay, extra like panic inducing).
As well being communicators, we are able to resist the urge to hop on this viral jargon bandwagon. (“All of the cool well being consultants are saying it!”) As an alternative, we are able to clarify these phrases in plain language — and assist individuals really feel rather less panicky whereas we’re at it.
Undecided you absolutely perceive the distinction between an outbreak, an epidemic, and a pandemic? Don’t fear, expensive readers — we’re right here for you.
First, let’s clear up the misperception that these phrases seek advice from a illness’s severity. Not so! They’re really about how widespread a illness is. With that in thoughts, right here’s what you and your readers have to know:
- An outbreak is a sudden, sudden improve within the variety of individuals with a illness — often in a comparatively small geographic space, like a metropolis. Suppose a cluster of TB instances in Chicago.
- An epidemic is an outbreak that spreads to a big geographic space, like a complete nation or area. Suppose Ebola in West Africa in 2016.
- A pandemic occurs when an outbreak goes international, overlaying a number of international locations or continents. Suppose the flu in 1918 — or, you understand, COVID-19 proper about now.
To be clear, there’s some flexibility in these definitions. You will have observed, for instance, that well being professionals continued to name the coronavirus outbreak an epidemic even after it unfold to a number of international locations past China. That’s partly as a result of, on the time, a lot of the instances outdoors China had been nonetheless associated to individuals who traveled to China.
Well being consultants don’t at all times agree on when it’s time to begin calling an epidemic a pandemic both. Fortunate for you, making that decision isn’t your job. You simply get to jot down about it!
However somewhat than focusing an excessive amount of on how one can classify coronavirus, how about combating myths and misconceptions by sharing correct data together with your audiences? And perhaps throw in a couple of ideas for stopping the unfold of coronavirus, too!
The underside line: “Outbreak,” “epidemic,” and “pandemic” are generally misunderstood, worry-inducing phrases. If it’s good to use one, clarify it clearly — and attempt to not dwell on it.