Spread of Infectious Diseases-35 Flashcards
- Outline the five stages of an infectious disease. - Describe and explain the components of the ‘chain of infection’ and ‘how to disrupt the chain of infection’. - Outline how infectious diseases are classified epidemiologically.
what are the 5 stages of an infectious disease?
Incubation Period, Prodromal Period, Illness, Decline, Convalescence.
Incubation Period
No signs or symptoms
Prodromal Period
Vague general signs or symptoms
Illness
Most infectious stage, Severe signs/symptoms
Decline
Reducing signs/symptoms
Convalescence
No signs or symptoms
what is Epidemiology
Study of disease transmission
Chain of infection components
Causative agent pathogenic organism (Bacteria, Virus, Parasites).
Source/Reservoir (Human, Animal, Fomite, Food, Water), Exit-way out of body (Excretions, Secretions, Droplets), Method of spread/transmission (Contact, Airborne, Vector), Entry way into body (Respiratory, GI, GU, Mucous, Skin), Person at risk (Young/Elderly, Immunocompromised).
How do you disrupt the chain of infection?
Draw
Causative agent-Pathogenic organism (Rapid Detection and Treatment)
Source/Reservoir (Good Hygiene, Sterilisation, Disinfection)
Exit-way out of body (Waster Removal, Disinfection),
Method of spread/transmission (Airflow Control/Bed Spacing).
Entry way into body (Aseptic Technique Catheter/Wound Care)
Person at risk (Identify at risk & target for special care, vaccination and education).
Mortality
Incidence of death in a population
Morbidity of disease
Incidence of a disease (fatal or non fatal)
Incidence
Number of new cases of disease in a given time
Prevalence
Total number of new and old cases in a population in a given time.
Endemic
Disease in a community
Sporadic
Disease that occurs occassionally
