Infectious Disease Flashcards

60 vocabulary flashcards covering pediatric infectious diseases, vaccines, nursing care, and historical context based on the Spring 2026 lecture notes.

Herd Immunity

A form of disease prevention that protects those not vaccinated by reducing the overall spread within a population.

Vastas Lateralis

The preferred intramuscular (IM) injection site for infants younger than 12 months (anterolateral thigh).

Deltoid muscle

The preferred IM injection site for adolescents and for children older than 12 months if they are walking.

Anaphylaxis

A severe reaction including hoarseness, wheezing, airway constriction, hypotension, altered mental status, and fever.

Vaccine Contraindication

A condition such as a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or component, or severe acute illness.

Live Vaccines

A group of vaccines including Measles, Mumps, Rubella ($MMR$), Varicella, Intranasal influenza, and Rotavirus.

Contraindications to Live Vaccines

Pregnancy, severe immunosuppression, cancer/chemotherapy, and HIV

Airborne Precautions

Infection control for small particles requiring N95 respirators and negative pressure isolation rooms.

Droplet Precautions

Infection control for large-particle droplets from sneezing or coughing, requiring a surgical mask.

Contact Precautions

Infection control consisting of the use of gloves and gowns when soiling or direct contact is likely.

Morbillivirus hominis

The viral agent responsible for Measles (also known as Rubeola).

3 Cs

The clinical triad for Measles: cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis.

Coryza

The inflammation and congestion of the mucous membranes in the nose, seen as a feature of Measles.

Koplik spots

Bluish-white spots on the buccal mucosa in the mouth that appear in Measles.

Vitamin A

A supplement administered to Measles patients

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

A rare, long-term neurological complication of Measles that can occur 7-10 years after recovery.

Varicella-zoster virus

The infectious agent responsible for Chicken Pox (Varicella).

Chicken Pox Prodromal Stage

The early stage of Varicella infection characterized by fever, malaise, pharyngitis, and headache.

Pruritic vesicles

Itchy blisters occurring in clusters and multiple stages of healing, characteristic of Varicella.

Parvovirus B19

The agent responsible for Erythema Infectiosum, also known as Fifth Disease.

Slapped Cheek Appearance

The characteristic rash on the face of children with Fifth Disease, often followed by a lacy pattern on limbs.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)

A virus in the Pneumoviridae family that causes respiratory disease and circulates from winter through spring.

Bordetella pertussis

The bacterial agent responsible for Whooping Cough (Pertussis).

Whooping Cough Paroxysm

A repetitive, short, rapid cough followed by a high-pitched "whoop" or gasp.

Pertussis Management

Treatment with Azithromycin or Erythromycin, oxygen as needed, and monitoring for apnea and hypoxia.

Group A Beta-hemolytic streptococci

The agent responsible for Scarlet Fever.

Strawberry tongue

A clinical manifestation of Scarlet Fever where the tongue is large, edematous, and red.

Sandpaper-like rash

The characteristic pink body rash associated with Scarlet Fever.

Tamiflu

An antiviral treatment for Influenza that is most effective when given within the first 72 hours.

Streptococcal pneumoniae

The agent for Pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, otitis media, and sinusitis.

MRSA

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a bacterial agent common in community settings and skin infections.

Impetigo

A bacterial skin infection characterized by the presence of honey-colored crusts.

Tinea capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp requiring topical or systemic antifungal treatment.

Thrush

An oral fungal infection caused by Candidiasis.

Borrelia burgdorferi

The spirochete bacteria that causes Lyme disease, transmitted by an infected deer tick.

Erythema Migrans

The characteristic circular, bullseye-shaped rash found in patients with Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease Complications

Includes Bell's Palsy (facial palsy), meningitis, AV heart block, myocarditis, and arthritis.

Rickettsia rickettsii

The spirochete bacteria responsible for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).

RMSF Rash Progression

Starts as a maculopapular rash on wrists and ankles, then becomes a petechial rash spreading toward the trunk.

Doxycycline

The required immediate antibiotic treatment for both Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)

The virus responsible for 90% of cases of Infectious Mononucleosis.

Mononucleosis Triad

The classic symptoms of fatigue, pharyngitis, and generalized lymphadenopathy.

Splenomegaly in Mono

Enlargement of the spleen occurring in ~50% of cases; requires avoiding contact sports for 4 weeks.

Sarcoptes scabiei

The parasitic mite that causes Scabies by burrowing into the epidermis and depositing eggs.

Permethrin 5% cream

The scabicide treatment applied to the entire body for 8-14 hours for patients older than 2 months.

Pediculosis humanus capitus

Head lice; an obligate ectoparasite that lives on humans and feeds on human blood.

Permethrin topical 1%

A pediculicide applied to the head and scalp for 10 minutes to treat lice infestation.

Conjunctivitis Styles

The three main types of 'pink eye' which include Viral, Bacterial, and Allergic.