Introduction to Epidemiology: Definitions and History

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the basic principles of epidemiology, COVID-19 applications, and historical foundations.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems.

Incidence

The number of new cases within different populations over time, exampled by the tracking of new COVID-19 cases during the pandemic.

Prevention Strategies (COVID-19)

Evidence-based public health measures which included hand washing, mask-wearing, physical distancing, and vaccination.

Control Strategies (COVID-19)

Interventions designed to manage the spread of the virus, such as contact tracing, isolation, lockdowns, and mass immunization campaigns.

Hippocrates

Commonly known as the "Father of Medicine," he lived from $460-377\,BC$ and proposed that disease was linked to environmental factors rather than supernatural causes.

Environmental Factors (Hippocratic Theory)

Elements such as air, water, and food that Hippocrates associated with the cause of disease.