Disease Prevention Flashcards
communicable disease
type of disease that is spread from one living organism to another or through the environment
pathogen
any microorganism that causes disease
infection
a condition that occurs when pathogens in the body multiply and damage body cells
direct contact
transmitted from person to person
indirect contact
transmitted through contaminated objects, food, vectors, and the air
common cold
viral infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membrane
influenza
viral infection of the respiratory tract
hepatitis
viral infection of the liver
non-communicable disease
type of disease that is not spread by another person, vector, or the environment
vector
an organism that carries and transmits pathogens to humans or animals
cancer
uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells
cardiovascular disease
a disease that affects the heart and blood vessels
atherosclerosis
disease characterized by the accumulation of plaque on artery walls
diabetes
chronic disease that affects the way body cells convert sugar into energy
benign
non-cancerous tumor that grows slowly