Glossary

Also called a serology test, this checks to see if you have antibodies in your blood that show that you were previously infected with the virus.

A type of diagnostic test that checks to see if you’re currently infected. The test looks for proteins (antigens) in a sample taken from your nose or throat. Antigen tests are faster than PCR tests, but they are less accurate and have a higher risk of false positives (meaning that they’re more likely to say you have the infection when you don’t) and false negatives (meaning they’re more likely to say you don’t have the infection when you do). This may also be called a rapid test or rapid diagnostic test. Sometimes if you get a negative antigen test, you will need a PCR test to confirm.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. This is a diagnostic test that finds out if you are infected by inspecting a sample to see if
it contains genetic material from the virus. This is a very accurate test. Results may be ready in 15 minutes or 2-3 days if sent out to a lab.

Serial testing is when a single person is tested for COVID-19 more than once using the same test type. Because antigen tests are less sensitive than other COVID-19 tests and false results may occur, repeated testing is more reliable. By repeating testing (2 home tests 24+ hours apart), it is more likely to accurately identify cases of COVID-19 infection and reduce spread of infection.

A tiny particle or droplet suspended in the air.

When someone shows no symptoms of a disease even when they have the disease.

A large increase in the number of people with a disease within a community. When a disease is very common.

When enough people have been infected or vaccinated and cannot spread an infectious disease easily within a community.

Someone who has a weak immune system that cannot fight off infections well. People with cancer, HIV and auto-immune disorders such as lupus and Type 1 diabetes may be immunocompromised.

A disease caused when certain micro-organisms enter the body and grow and multiply. Flu and malaria are infectious diseases.

When COVID-19 symptoms linger for week or months compared to the typical 14 days or when new symptoms develop following a COVID-19 infection. Other terms include post-COVID conditions, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long term effects of COVID and chronic COVID.

New virus strain or variant. All viruses mutate or change. Some changes are minor. Other changes can affect how the virus is transmitted or how severe the disease is.

When a disease has spread to people in many countries and across continents.

Randomization is how volunteers are assigned to a treatment group by chance rather than by choice. Like tossing a coin. Trials are research studies. Trials make sure a treatment or program is safe and effective before giving it to everyone.