Unit 1 - Communicable Diseases (Preventing Disease) Flashcards
Disease
Any condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the body and mind
Communicable Disease
A disease that can be spread to a person from another person, an animal, or an object
Pathogens
Germs that cause diseases
Germs
Organisms that are so small they can only be seen through a microscope
Viruses
Smallest and simplest pathogens
Bacteria
Simple one-celled organisms
Fungi
Organisms that are more complex than bacteria but cannot make their own food
Protozoa
One-celled organisms that are more complex than bacteria
Vector
An organism, such as an insect, that transmits pathogens
Hygiene
Cleanliness
Contagious
Able to be spread to others by direct or indirect contact
Infection
The result of pathogens or germs invading the body, multiplying, and harming some your body’s cells
Immune System
A combination of body defenses made up of the cells, tissues, and organs that fight pathogens in the body
Inflammation
The body’s response to injury or disease resulting in a condition of swelling, pain, heat, and redness
Lymphatic System
A secondary circulatory system that helps the body fight pathogens and maintains its fluid balance
Lymphocytes
Special white blood cells in the blood and lymphatic system
Antigens
Substances that send the immune system into action
Antibodies
Specific proteins that attach to antigens, keeping them from harming the body
Immunity
The ability to resist the pathogens that cause a particular disease
Vaccine
Preparation of dead or weakened pathogens that is introduced into the body to cause an immune response
Influenza
A highly communicable viral disease characterized by fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and respiratory systems
Contagious Period
The length of time that a particular disease can be spread from person to person
Mononucleosis
A viral disease characterized by a severe sore throat and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck and around the throat area
Hepatitis
A viral disease characterized by an inflammation of the liver and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
Hepatitis B
A disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus that affects the liver
Tuberculosis
A bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs
Pneumonia
A serious inflammation of the lungs
Strep Throat
A sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Infections that are spread from person to person through sexual contact
Chlamydia
A bacterial STD that may affect the reproductive organs, urethra, and anus
Abstinence
The conscious, active choice not to participate in high-risk behaviors
Genital Herpes
A viral STD that produces painful blisters on the genital area
Genital Warts
Growths or bumps in the genital area caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
Trichomoniasis
An STD caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis
Gonorrhea
A bacterial STD that affects the mucous membranes of the body, particularly in the genital area
Syphilis
A bacterial STD that can affect many parts of the body
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)
The virus that causes AIDS
Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
A disease that interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections
Opportunistic Infection
A disease that attacks a person with a weakened immune system and rarely occurs in a healthy person
Carrier
A person who appears healthy but is infected with HIV and can pass it to others
