Glossary of Key Terms
Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Antigen Test | A rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 that provides quick results but has lower sensitivity than PCR tests. A negative result may need to be confirmed with repeat testing if symptoms persist. |
| Dr. Süleyman Alpar | The Specialist (Uzm. Dr.) and Head of the Emergency Department at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital who provided the information in the source text. |
| European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control | A European health agency which reported that COVID activity was slowly increasing from a low baseline but that doctor visits were similar to or lower than in previous seasons. |
| Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) | A new Omicron sub-variant noted for causing a very sharp sore throat, colloquially described as “razor-like.” In the US, it was responsible for approximately 43% of cases mentioned in the report. |
| NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) | The category of tests, including PCR, that are considered the primary and most reliable method for diagnosing COVID-19 because they detect the virus’s genetic material. |
| Omicron | The COVID-19 variant lineage from which the new sub-variants, Nimbus and Stratus, have descended. The 2024-2025 season cases are characterized by Omicron’s influence. |
| PCR Test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) | The most reliable type of NAAT for COVID-19 diagnosis, valued for its high accuracy in detecting the virus’s genetic material. |
| Stratus (XFG) | A new Omicron sub-variant spreading in Europe and India. Its symptoms are similar to other Omicron strains and it has been noted to sometimes cause hoarseness. |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | A clinical presentation that characterizes the current wave of COVID-19. Symptoms include nasal congestion/runny nose, cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, and sneezing. |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | An international health body whose data, along with US data, shows an increase in test positivity and emergency room visits for COVID-19, especially among children and the elderly. |