Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Define Contagious
Transmitted from one person to another
Direct Transmission
Contact with body
Indirect Transmission
Transmission between objects, coughing, or sneezing
Stages of Pathogen Infection
Incubation Prodromal Acute Decline Recovery
Incubation
Exposure (few hours-months)
Prodromal
Signs and symptoms present, should be isolated
Acute
Experiencing highest development of disease, most at risk of spreading
Decline
Feeling better, but highest risk of relapse
Recovery
Feeling better, develops temporary or permanent immunity
Lines of Defense
Mechanical System Defense: Skin, cell membranes, cilia, nasal hairs, etc.
Cellular System Defenses: WBC’s
Categories of Infectious Diseases
Sporadic: Occurs randomly
Endemic: Contained to a certain area or population
Epidemic: Occurs in a large area or population
Pandemic: Occurs worldwide
Virus Reproduction
DNA or RNA strand enters healthy cell and redirects cell activity to create more viruses
