Glossary of COVID-19 Terms
Use the #CampusClear App for daily self-screenings and temperature checks
Glossary of Terms
-
Asymptomatic
Individuals who have contracted the virus who do not have symptoms and will never get symptoms from infection. Though asymptomatic individuals may still transmit COVID-19, they may be less likely to do so than symptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals.
-
COVID-19
The disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
-
COVID-19 Screening
Screening is a way of identifying individuals with symptoms that might be related to COVID-19. Use of thermometers or student/staff surveys are both relatively low cost and potentially high frequency measures to reduce risk of community transmission.
-
Isolation (CDC)
The process of separating sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
-
Medical testing
Medical testing is used when an individual has COVID-19 symptoms and the test identifies if they have contracted the SARS-CoV-2.
-
Physical distancing (CDC)
Physical distancing, also called “social distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.
-
Pre-symptomatic
Individuals who have contracted coronavirus and are at a stage of incubation before symptoms have spread. CDC suggests 40% of coronavirus transmission happens before people feel sick. Individuals that contract COVID-19 develop symptoms between five and twelve days after exposure
-
Quarantine (CDC)
Separating and restricting movement of people exposed or thought to be exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick
-
SARS-CoV-2
The specific virus known to cause COVID-19.
-
Testing - Antibody test
Antibody tests identify individuals who have previously contracted COVID-19. Tests of blood serum identify individuals who have built up antibodies.
-
Testing - Viral test
Viral tests identify individuals that are currently carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Samples are taken from the respiratory system (most commonly nasal swab) and can be offered as point of care (less than an hour) or can be confirmed in a lab in 1-2 days.
-
Testing - Universal
Universal Testing is designed to systematically and periodically identify individuals within a group, community, or population who are positive for SARS-CoV-2.