COVID-19 Contact Tracing
Johns Hopkins University
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Glossary of Terms
Active listening
Paying close attention to a person’s words and nonverbal cues (for example, emotion and tone) to fully
understand what he or she is saying, feeling, needing, and requesting.
Antibody test
After a person is infected, he or she typically develops antibodies. Antibodies help the body fight
infection and, in many cases, develop immunity. Antibodies are found in the bloodstream and in body
secretions, such as saliva. The antibodies that are most important in SARS-CoV-2 are
called IgG antibodies. IgG develops 10–14 days after a person is infected. Antibody tests of the blood
(and in some cases, saliva) can detect whether the antibody is present or not. A positive antibody test is
evidence that the person had SARS-CoV-2 infection. At the current time, we don’t know whether this
means whether the person is immune. In other words, we don’t know whether the person is protected
from reinfection.
Asymptomatic
A person who does not show any signs or symptoms of a disease. People with asymptomatic infection
feel well. Because they feel well, they don’t know they’re infected, and they often continue their regular
activities, which can easily transmit the virus to others.
Autonomy (respect for)
The right of individuals to decide things for themselves. It is also known as right to “self” or as “agency.”
Case
A person having a particular disease, disorder, or condition. A variety of criteria may be used to identify
cases—for example, a physician diagnosis or a diagnostic test.
Checking question
Used to confirm that you heard correctly.
Closed question
A question that limits people’s responses to a predetermined set. For example, when only
a yes or no answer is available as a response.
Confidentiality
The obligation not to disclose information; the right of a person to withhold information from others.
Information in medical records is generally confidential.
