Introduction
In the current literature, there is considerable heterogeneity in common terms related to infectious disease epidemiology and modelling. Furthermore, definitions of these terms are not often provided in research papers. This glossary presents a comprehensive list of terms and their definitions to unify the use and interpretation of infectious disease epidemiology and modelling terminology. Although the most frequently used definitions were included in this glossary, researchers may have alternative definitions for certain terms in the context of their research. Therefore, it is recommended that the readers first check for definitions provided by the authors when reading infectious disease mathematical modelling publications.
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Antiviral treatment
Treatment used against viral infection to reduce symptoms, duration, and transmission of the disease.
Control
Measures taken to reduce the likelihood of getting infected after exposure, or methods employed to lessen the severity of the disease after getting infected.
Hospitalization
An infected individual is admitted to the hospital for additional medical care.
Intervention
Measures taken to reduce and prevent the spread of disease.
Mitigation measure
Interventions initiated to lessen or prevent adverse outcomes.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)
Measures which do not involve medication to reduce the spread of communicable diseases (e.g., physical distancing).
Post-exposure prophylaxis
Pharmacological intervention taken following exposure to a pathogen to reduce the severity of disease.
Pre-clinical
Time period before a diagnostic test can detect the presence of a disease. An individual may still be infectious during this period of time.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pharmacological intervention to reduce susceptibility to a pathogen (i.e., before exposure).
Prevention
Intervention to reduce the risk of exposure or the susceptibility (likelihood of getting infected with a pathogen after exposure) of an individual to a pathogen.