Infection control retake lectures from teacher

Bloodborne pathogens

Diseases like HIV, Hep B, and Hep C transferred by blood.

Immunity

The state of being resistant to a particular infection or disease.

Vaccine

A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies against a disease, such as chickenpox.

Shingles

A reactivation of the chickenpox virus, causing a painful rash.

Sterile

Free from all living microorganisms, achieved through processes like autoclaving.

Clean

Not sterile; has potential pathogens but is not contaminated.

Droplet precautions

Infection control practices to prevent diseases spread by droplets from coughs or sneezes.

Airborne precautions

Infection control practices for diseases that are transmitted through air, requiring N95 masks.

Communicable disease

A disease that is easily spread from one person to another.

Direct contact transmission

Spread of disease through direct physical contact between infected and uninfected persons.

Indirect contact transmission

Spread of disease through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.

Vector

An organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another, such as mosquitoes.

Pathogen

A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.

Chain of infection

The process by which an infectious disease is transmitted from one host to another.

Infectious agent

A pathogen that can cause disease.

Reservoir

The natural habitat of a pathogen, where it lives and multiplies.

Mode of transmission

The manner in which a pathogen is transmitted from one host to another.

Portal of exit

The path by which a pathogen leaves its host.

Portal of entry

The path by which a pathogen enters a new host.

Susceptible host

An individual who is at risk of infection due to compromised immunity.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, often found in urine and requiring contact precautions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Clothing and equipment worn to protect against infection transmission.

Reverse isolation

Measures taken to protect patients with weakened immune systems from external pathogens.