Infectious Diseases Flashcards

Flashcards to review key terms and concepts related to infectious diseases from lecture notes.

Incubation Stage

The time between entry of the virus and the time when you begin to feel ill; typically lasts 1-3 days.

Prodromal Stage

The stage when the first symptoms occur; you may be contagious; immune system has discovered the pathogen but hasn’t destroyed it; typically lasts 1-2 days.

Acute Stage

The stage when the most severe symptoms occur; immune system is working overtime to fight off the infection; fever may occur; typically lasts 2-5 days.

Recovery Stage

The stage when you begin to feel better; typically lasts 2-4 days.

Convalescence Stage

The period between the end of infection and feeling really well; relapse is possible during this time; typically lasts 1-3 days.

Common Cold

A group of symptoms caused by a variety of viruses; symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, fever, headaches, and muscle aches; lasts 3-7 days.

Influenza (Flu)

Viral infection of the upper respiratory system; symptoms include high fever, sore throat, headache, and cough; some types can be prevented by immunizations.

Pneumonia

A serious lung infection that may develop from the flu; caused by viruses, bacteria, or even fungi; can be treated with antibiotics.

Mononucleosis (Mono)

Viral infection that causes the lymph nodes, tonsils, and spleen to become swollen and tender; symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, and extreme fatigue; common among teenagers; infection disappears in 3-6 weeks.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs; symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, a mild fever, night sweats, and a chronic cough; most cases can be cured with a combination of medications taken for up to a year.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by a group of viruses that infect the liver; symptoms include fever, nausea, pain in the abdomen, tiredness, jaundice, and sometimes brown urine.

Hepatitis A

Transmitted in human wastes and contaminated water and food; can be prevented with a vaccine.

Hepatitis B and C

More severe than type A; transmitted in blood and during sexual contact; vaccines exist for Hepatitis B, but there are few treatment options for Hepatitis C.

Epidemic

Occurs when an infectious disease spreads rapidly to many people in a given population, usually within a short period of time; specific to one location (city, region, country).

Pandemic

Covers a much wider geographical area, often worldwide.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI’s)

Can occur when water is contaminated by E.coli (bacteria) or by giardia (microorganism that infects the digestive system).