Infectious Diseases Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary related to infectious diseases.

Infectious Disease

An illness that spreads from one person (or animal) to another due to germs like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.

Non-Infectious Disease

A disease that can’t be passed from one person to another, often due to genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors.

Pathogen

A tiny germ or microorganism that can make you sick, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Virus

A super tiny germ that needs to get inside an animal or plant to survive, reproduce, and cause infection.

Bacteria

Tiny living things that live in soil, water, and inside plants and animals; some are helpful, while others are harmful.

Lactobacillus

A type of bacteria found in the stomach and dairy products that helps with digestion.

Streptococcus salivarius

A type of bacteria present in the mouth that helps protect teeth and gums by preventing harmful bacteria from growing.

E. coli

A type of bacteria present in the intestines that helps with digestion and keeps the gut healthy; note that some strains can be harmful.

Fungi

Living things that are not plants, animals, or bacteria, such as mushrooms, yeast, and molds; some are helpful, while others can cause problems.

Parasite

An organism that lives inside or on another living thing (host) and gets food or protection from it, often harming the host.

Tapeworm

A parasite that lives inside intestines and takes food from what you eat.

Fleas

Tiny insects that live on animals and drink their blood.

Direct Contact

A way diseases spread through touching an infected person or their fluids.

Touching Infected Surfaces

A way diseases spread by touching surfaces contaminated with pathogens and then touching your face.

Through the Air

A way diseases spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing germs in tiny droplets.

Contaminated Food or Water

A way diseases spread when people eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated with germs.

Vector Borne

A way diseases spread by insects like mosquitoes or ticks transmitting diseases through bites