Communicable Diseases and Public Health

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to communicable diseases, public health, and prevention strategies discussed in the lecture.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Levels of Prevention

Strategies that include primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention to mitigate health issues.

Outbreak Investigation

The process of responding to disease outbreaks through investigation to control and prevent further spread.

Communicable Diseases

Contagious diseases caused by infectious agents that can be spread from person to person or from animals to people.

Biomedical Approach

A health promotion strategy aimed at preventing disease through early identification, intervention, and treatment.

Public Health Units

Local health organizations that manage public health concerns, including communicable diseases.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs)

Diseases that can be prevented through vaccination, such as measles and pertussis.

Non-Vaccine Preventable

Communicable diseases that cannot be prevented by vaccines, such as malaria and tuberculosis.

Surveillance

The continuous systematic process of collecting and analyzing health data to monitor public health and ensure timely interventions.

Primary Prevention

Strategies aimed at preventing disease before it occurs, such as vaccination and health education.

Secondary Prevention

Actions aimed at early detection of disease and intervention to halt its progress, such as screening and diagnosis.

Tertiary Prevention

Strategies focused on managing and minimizing the impact of established disease through treatment and rehabilitation.

Harm Reduction

Policies and programs that aim to minimize the negative impacts of certain behaviors, such as drug use, without necessarily eliminating them.

Zoonotic Infections

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Vector-borne Diseases

Diseases transmitted by vectors, such as mosquitoes or ticks, including Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Case Finding

The process of identifying individuals with a particular disease or condition through tests and assessments.

Notifiable Diseases

Diseases that healthcare providers must report to public health authorities to enable monitoring and control.

Health Protection & Promotion Act

Legislation that outlines the responsibilities of public health units to protect and promote health in communities.