Confused about the coronavirus? This glossary will help
As
the U.S. braces for the indefinite spread of the coronavirus,
rarely-before used terms like “pandemic,” “state of emergency” and
“quarantine” have solidified their place in our national conversation.
Shared both in daily conversations, TikToks, Instagram stories and
Facebook posts understanding these words — once reserved for infectious
disease experts — is not only helpful but critical.
But
if the strange new vocabulary is making your head spin, you’re not
alone. Here to ease one aspect of this strange new world is a
simple-to-use glossary of the words you need to know.
C
Community spread
Confirmed cases of a virus with unknown origin, meaning they cannot be traced
to a close contact or a traveler. Multiple states in the U.S. have
reported high rates of community spread, including Washington, New York,
California and Massachusetts.
Containment strategies
Policies
or actions used to contain something dangerous (e.g. COVID-19). Federal
and local officials have enacted containment strategies that include
travel restrictions and — in New York — a one-mile “containment zone” in which residents must remain within the limits of the designated area.
Coronavirus
A
family of viruses, named for their crown-like spikes, which can cause
mild to severe respiratory illness (e.g. Middle-East respiratory
syndrome or MERS; Avian flu).
COVID-19
A new disease
caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 which may cause a mild to severe
respiratory illness including dry cough, fever, shortness of breath and
fatigue. Some reports show that COVID-19, in some individuals, may
produce no symptoms.
D
Defense Production Act
A bill, invoked
by the U.S. president on Wednesday, which allows private companies to
increase the production of vital supplies and equipment such as masks,
ventilators and gloves.
What's
an epidemiologist?E
Epidemic
The
widespread outbreak of an infectious disease. Past epidemics include
the 2009 swine flu epidemic, the 2014 Ebola epidemic, and the 2019
measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Epidemiologist
Experts
who investigate the spread of infectious disease, including causes,
risk factors, frequency, patterns and populations. While some
epidemiologists work as academics or leaders in health departments,
others operate in the field, flying into regions where a new disease has
erupted.
F
Flattening the curve
Using containment and mitigation strategies to slow the spread of disease in order to avoid a scenario in which health care facilities are over-capacity and supplies are scant.
I
Incubation period
The amount of time a person carries a virus before showing symptoms. The most recent research suggests that for the coronavirus, this is 2-14 days, with an average of 5 days.
Immunocompromised
An immune system that is weakened or impaired, meaning its ability to fight off infection may be more limited. The condition can be caused by viruses (such as HIV) or
Isolation
Used to describe a medical quarantine for patients who have tested positive for a virus.
M
Mitigation strategies
Preparations
that health officials and community members can take to help mitigate,
or lessen the impact, of disasters (in this case, a viral pandemic).
Examples include formulating household plans, canceling faith services
and keeping up with the latest information from the CDC.
O
Outbreak
A sudden, often unexcepted rise in something harmful (e.g. disease, war, panic).
What's a pandemic? P
Pandemic
An epidemic that has gone global, spreading across every continent.
Q
Quarantine
The act of intentionally remaining in one place to prevent infection or the spread of infection.
R
Respirator
A
tight-fitting mask — such as the N95 — that is sealed to the face and
protects against 95 percent of airborne particles, both large and
small.
S
SARS-CoV-2
The official name for a new virus
that first appeared in Wuhan, China that may cause a range of
respiratory symptoms including dry cough, fever, shortness of breath and
fatigue.
Shelter-in-place
A rare, often mandatory order
that requires individuals to remain at home unless obtaining basic
necessities (like food, medicine) or receiving/conducting medical care.
Exceptions, such as the ability to go on a walk for exercise, vary by
location.
Social distancing
Keeping
a distance of six feet or more from strangers to prevent the spread of
disease and limiting frivolous activities such as social gatherings and
unnecessary travel.
State of emergency
Either state or local declaration that allows government officials to bypass laws, release funds and galvanize both citizens and medical staff.
What's a respirator? Stealth transmission
The spread of a virus through an asymptomatic person — meaning someone who has no symptoms, or extremely mild symptoms.
Surgical mask
A
loose-fitting, disposable mask used to protect health workers and sick
people from spreading disease through large airborne particles.
V
Ventilators
A medical device that provides a patient with oxygen.
T