Appendix B: Key Terms & Key Concepts
ASYMPTOMATIC: Showing no symptoms of disease. Asymptomatic transmission refers to transmission of the virus from a person who does not develop symptoms.
MITIGATION: Actions that persons and communities can take to help slow the transmission of the virus in communities. PANDEMIC: An epidemic that has spread over several countries/continents, usually affecting a large number of people. (Source: CDC)
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION/SPREAD: Infections identified in a given geographic area without a history of travel elsewhere and no connection to a known case.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING: the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical space between oneself and other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19): The name of the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CLOSE CONTACT: For COVID-19, close contact is defined as anyone who has been within 6 feet of a person infected with the virus for a prolonged period of time, or has had direct contact with the infected person’s secretions. (Source: CDC)
PPE: Personal protective equipment including masks, face shields, gloves, gowns and other coverings used to prevent the spread of infection. PROBABLE CASE: a case that is classified as probable for reporting purposes Suspect case plus supportive lab Suspect case plus epi link like contact with confirmed case.
CONFIRMED CASE: Someone tested and confirmed to have COVID-19. CONGREGATE SETTINGS: Public places that can get crowded and where contact with infected people can happen. This includes places like malls, theaters, and grocery stores.
QUARANTINE: Separating and restricting the movement of people exposed (or potentially exposed) to a contagious disease.
CONTACT TRACING: The process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent onward transmission.
SCREENING: A basic series of questions posed by medical personnel to determine if someone should be tested for a particular disease or condition. In the case of coronavirus, screening may include taking your temperature, and questions about possible exposure to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
DROPLET TRANSMISSION/SPREAD: A mode of transmission for a contagious disease that involves relatively large, short-range (less than 6 feet) respiratory droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, or talking.
SELF-QUARANTINE: Staying home and away from other people as much as possible after exposure.
EPIDEMIC: An increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area.
SUSPECTED CASE: Clinical signs and symptoms but no laboratory evidence.
FLATTENING THE CURVE: An attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus and prevent a dramatic increase in the number of infected individuals. By practicing physical distancing, avoiding unnecessary travel, and taking basic precautions, healthy individuals can help slow the spread of the disease — or “flatten the curve.”
VIRAL SHEDDING: The period of time after the virus has replicated in the host and is being emitted.
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