Editing Epidemiology (section)

===Epidemic wave===
The concept of waves in epidemics has implications especially for [[infection|communicable diseases]]. A working definition for the term "epidemic wave" is based on two key features: 1) it comprises periods of upward or downward trends, and 2) these increases or decreases must be substantial and sustained over a period of time, in order to distinguish them from minor fluctuations or reporting errors.<ref name=Zhang>{{cite journal | author = Zhang Stephen X | author2 = Marioli Francisco Arroyo | author3 = Gao Renfei | author4 = Wang Senhu| title = When is an epidemic an epidemic? | journal = Risk Management and Healthcare Policy  | volume = 14 | pages =  3775–3782  | date = 2021 | doi = 10.2147/RMHP.S326051 | pmid = 34548826 | pmc = 8448159 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The use of a consistent scientific definition is to provide a consistent language that can be used to communicate about and understand the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, which would aid healthcare organizations and policymakers in resource planning and allocation.