Disease and Epidemiology

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to disease and epidemiology, enhancing understanding of disease transmission, types of infections, and public health implications.

Contact Transmission

The transfer of pathogens through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals.

Vehicle Transmission

The transmission of pathogens via contaminated inanimate objects, food, or water.

Vector Transmission

The spread of disease through vectors like insects that carry pathogens.

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be transmitted from one individual to another.

Non-communicable Disease

A disease that cannot be transmitted between individuals.

Acute Disease

A disease with a rapid onset and a short duration.

Chronic Disease

A disease that develops slowly and lasts for a long time.

Latent Disease

A disease that is present but not actively causing symptoms.

Localized Infection

An infection limited to a specific area of the body.

Systemic Infection

An infection that affects the entire body or multiple systems.

Primary Infection

The initial infection in the body.

Secondary Infection

An infection that occurs after a primary infection, usually due to a weakened immune system.

Nosocomial Infection

An infection acquired in a hospital setting.

Endemic

A disease regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Epidemic

An outbreak of disease that occurs at a higher frequency than expected in a specific area.

Pandemic

A global outbreak of a disease affecting a large number of people.

Reservoir

Natural habitat where an infectious agent lives and multiplies.

Asepsis

The absence of pathogenic organisms; practices designed to maintain cleanliness.

Epidemiology

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

Reportable Diseases

Diseases that must be reported to public health authorities.