Commonly Used Terms
at-risk population
According to the CDC, older people and people of all ages with underlying health conditions
such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes are at higher risk of developing
serious COVID-19 symptoms.
Please review the CDC's recommended actions for at-risk individuals.
case
A person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (e.g., the virus was detected in their individual test sample).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
The national health protection agency of the US.
close contact—interaction
Someone who was within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15
minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from two days before illness onset
(or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to their positive test) until the time
the patient is isolated. Michigan Tech follows CDC guidance on what types of interactions qualify as close contact.
close contact—person
Someone identified by contact tracers as having had close contact (see previous definition) with
a person who tested positive for COVID-19 while that person was contagious. If you think you are a close contact, please fill out the Daily Symptom Monitoring Form and respond “Yes” to the question that asks whether you’ve been in close contact
with someone you know or suspect to be infected with COVID-19. (see contact tracing, contagious)
contact tracing
Investigating the past movements and interactions of a person who has tested positive
for COVID-19. This tracing allows health officials to identify and notify people who
may have had close contact with the infected person while they were contagious. These
contacts may be asked to self-monitor for symptoms and/or quarantine for a period
of time. (see close contact—interaction, contagious, quarantine, self-monitor, symptoms)
contagious
Able to spread a disease when interacting with others. Michigan Tech follows CDC guidelines on how long a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 must stay separated from
others in order to avoid spreading the disease. (see close contact—interaction, isolation,
isolation period)
coronavirus
A family of viruses characterized by their spherical shape and spiky, crown-like surface.
Coronaviruses are commonplace and typically non–life-threatening (the common cold
is caused by a type of coronavirus). The virus that causes COVID-19 is sometimes called "the
novel coronavirus" or "the coronavirus". (see COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, virus)
COVID-19
The abbreviation for coronavirus disease 2019, the disease that first appeared in
December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which is
sometimes called "the novel coronavirus" or "the coronavirus". (see coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2,
virus)
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing is a severe symptom of COVID-19. It is an emergency warning sign
requiring immediate medical care. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see emergency warning signs, symptoms)
emergency warning signs
Severe symptoms of COVID-19 that require urgent medical attention. Emergency warning
signs listed by the CDC are:
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- persistent chest pain or chest pressure
- new confusion
- inability to wake or stay awake
- bluish lips or face
If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see difficulty breathing, symptoms)
exposure
Having close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 while they were
contagious. (see close contact—interaction, contagious)
exposure site
A location where public exposure to COVID-19 has occurred at a specified date and
time period. (see exposure)
face covering
The CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public places as a measure to
prevent COVID-19. Please review CDC recommendations for the use of cloth face coverings. (see prevention)
handwashing, hand hygiene
Washing or sanitizing your hands frequently is recommended by the CDC as a preventive
measure for COVID-19. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, or sanitize
your hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
(see prevention)
indirect contact
Someone who has not interacted directly with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19,
but did have close contact with a person identified as a close contact by contact
tracers. (see close contact—interaction, close contact—person)
isolate (v.), isolation (n.)
Separating people known to be infected with a disease from healthy people. (see isolation
period)
isolation period
The length of time that a person infected with a disease must stay separated from
healthy people after first showing symptoms or being diagnosed via testing in order
to stop the spread of the disease.
Michigan Tech requires individuals to stay isolated for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19 (with permission from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department or contact tracing, isolation ends on Day 11). The isolation period can't be ended early for any reason, even with a negative COVID-19 test.
Michigan Tech follows CDC guidelines to determine when a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 can leave isolation.
pandemic
Sudden, unexpected, worldwide spread of a disease. Characterized by sustained, community
spread—a large number of new cases that can’t be traced to travel or exposure to a
traveler. This term describes the spread of a disease, and has no bearing on its severity
or mortality rate. The WHO declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on March 11, 2020. (see
case severity, community spread, sustained spread, mortality rate)
personal protective equipment, PPE
Equipment such as N95 respirators, face shields or goggles, isolation gowns, and sterile
gloves used in health care settings to protect medical professionals and prevent the
spread of disease. (see prevention)
prevention
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent becoming sick with COVID-19 is to avoid
being exposed to the virus that causes it. Individuals should practice social distancing,
avoid touching their face as much as possible, avoid close contact with those who
are sick, and stay home from work if they are feeling sick. Wearing a face covering in
public and frequent handwashing are advised. At-risk populations may also want to
take further preparations. (see at-risk population, face covering, handwashing, social
distancing)
quarantine
The separation of people who have been exposed to a disease from healthy people. (see
quarantine period)
quarantine period
The period of time a person exposed to a disease must stay separated from healthy
people to prevent spreading the disease before they know they are sick.
Because COVID-19 symptoms can appear from two to 14 days after exposure, Michigan Tech requires individuals to stay quarantined for at least 14 days (with permission from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department or contact tracing, quarantine ends on Day 15). The quarantine period can't be ended early for any reason, even with a negative COVID-19 test.
Michigan Tech follows CDC guidelines to determine the length of the quarantine period.
self-monitor (v.), self-monitoring (n.)
Checking for a fever by taking your temperature twice per day and remaining alert
for a cough, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of COVID-19. (see difficulty
breathing, emergency warning signs, symptoms)
social distancing
A strategy to slow the spread of a disease by canceling events and maintaining six
feet of distance from others at all times. (see prevention)
symptoms
Signs of disease exhibited by an infected person. According to the CDC, the main symptoms
of COVID-19 include:
- fever (100.4°F or higher) or chills
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- muscle or body aches
- headache
- new loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- congestion or runny nose
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
Difficulty breathing is one of the emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. (see difficulty breathing, emergency warning signs)
testing
Two kinds of tests are available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see antibody test, viral test)
transmission
The spread of a disease from person to person through contact with a virus. According
to the CDC, SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily from person to person—specifically, within
six feet of a sick person or through contact with droplets expelled when they cough
or sneeze. (see COVID-19, prevention, SARS-CoV-2, social distancing)
virus
A microscopic collection of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protective protein coat. Once
inside the body, viruses infect cells and use the body's resources to replicate themselves.
Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics—only antiviral medications
or vaccines can treat viral infections. (see antiviral medication, treatment, vaccine,
viral infection)
Other Terms
antibody
Proteins in your body that help fight off infections and usually provide immunity
to a specific virus. (see immunity, virus)
antibody test
A test that checks for the presence of antibodies in your body. If antibodies to a
specific virus are present, it's likely you were infected with that virus sometime
in the past. The CDC notes that it is not yet known whether antibodies can provide
immunity to COVID-19, or how long such protection may last. (see antibody, immunity,
virus)
antiviral medication
Prescription medicines that fight against viruses in your body, often reducing the
severity and duration of viral infections. Antiviral medications are different from
antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections and are not effective against
viruses. There are currently no antiviral medications approved to treat COVID-19.
(see supportive care, treatment, viral infection, virus)
asymptomatic (adj.)
Used to describe someone who is not showing any symptoms of a disease. (see symptomatic,
symptoms)
asymptomatic transmission
The spread of a disease from a person who does not show any symptoms while infected.
(see transmission)
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by Congress on March
25, 2020.
case severity
According to the CDC, the severity of COVID-19 symptoms have ranged from very mild
to serious, with some leading to death. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see symptoms)
community cases
New infections within a community that cannot be traced directly to travel or exposure
to a traveler.
community spread
In general, the spread of a disease within a community to the extent that people can become sick without knowing when or how they were exposed.
containment
Combating a disease by preventing new infections; limiting the infections to a specific
geographic area. (see mitigation)
domestic transmission
The spread of a disease within a country's borders. (see transmission)
epidemic
A sudden, unexpected increase in cases of a disease in a particular population or
region.
essential employee
A person whose job provides a service that is necessary to the everyday functioning
of society and cannot be done remotely. For example, health care employees, grocery
store workers, delivery drivers, and first responders.
flu shot
Although COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses, the CDC recommends
getting a flu shot as a preventive measure. Getting a flu shot helps to reduce the
burden on our health care system during flu season. (see prevention)
immunity
When a person is able to resist a disease due to the presence of antibodies in their body.
(see antibody)
incubation period
The time from when a person becomes infected with a disease to when they begin showing
symptoms. The incubation period for COVID-19 is two to 14 days. (see symptoms)
infectious
Capable of spreading rapidly to others; also used to describe a person who is capable
of spreading a disease by interacting with others. (see close contact—interaction,
contagious)
mitigation
Combating a disease by widespread treatment, as opposed to attempting to limit its
spread. (see containment)
mortality rate
The mortality rate of COVID-19 is still unclear, and has varied depending on the region
being scrutinized. However, higher mortality rates have been reported among at-risk
populations. (see at-risk population)
outbreak
A sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease in a particular place.
personal travel
Any travel that is solely for personal reasons, unassociated with an individual’s
affiliation with the University.
SARS-CoV-2
The virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes called "the novel coronavirus" or "the coronavirus".
(see coronavirus, COVID-19)
self-isolate (v.), self-isolation (n.)
When an individual restricts their movement voluntarily to prevent the spread of disease.
supportive care
Medical care provided in a health care setting to combat more serious symptoms of
COVID-19. Because there are no treatments approved to treat COVID-19, supportive care
is intended to relieve the symptoms of COVID-19, not combat the disease itself. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see symptoms, treatment)
sustained transmission
The active spread of a disease within a particular region. (see transmission)
symptomatic (adj.)
Used to describe someone who is showing symptoms of a disease. (see asymptomatic,
symptoms)
treatment
According to the CDC, there are no approved treatments for COVID-19, but you can seek
medical care for your symptoms. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see emergency warning signs, symptoms)
vaccine
A treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies to a specific
disease, often providing immunity to that disease. There is currently no vaccine for
COVID-19. (see antibody, immunity)
ventilator
A specialized piece of medical equipment that takes over the breathing function of
a person who can't breathe on their own. (see difficulty breathing, supportive care)
viral infection
A disease caused by the presence of a virus in the body. The common cold, the flu,
and COVID-19 are all examples of viral infections. (see viral test, virus)
viral test
A test that checks for an active viral infection in your body. Some tests provide
results in less than an hour. Other tests must be sent to a laboratory to analyze,
a process that takes one to two days once received by the lab. If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital (906-337-6500). Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your
symptoms. (see symptoms, testing, viral infection, virus)
University travel
Any travel sponsored by or related to the University, including but not limited to
symposiums, lectures, conferences, research, business trips, consulting, alumni events,
and other travel associated with an individual’s affiliation with the University.
viral load
A measure of the amount of virus particles in an infected person's body.
World Health Organization, WHO
The specialized health agency of the United Nations. WHO is coordinating the global
response to COVID-19.