Download Infectious Disease Terms - Lewiston Altura High School

Infectious Disease Terms
Causes of Infectious Disease
Pathogen: any agent that can cause a disease
Bacteria: tiny, single celled organisms that can cause disease
Virus: disease causing particles made up of genetic material and a protein coat, the smallest
pathogen
Fungi: Organisms that absorb and use the nutrients of living or dead organisms
Protozoans: this pathogen accounts for diseases that are leading causes of death throughout
some parts of the world
Parasites: this pathogen gets its nutrients by feeding on other living things.
Vocabulary Terms
Infectious Disease: Any disease that is caused by an agent that has invaded the body.
Hygiene: the best way to prevent fungal infections
Prevention: the best way to take care of infections
CDC or NIH: Name on of the agencies that are working to prevent, treat, and eliminate
infectious disease
Symptoms: the changes that you notice in your body or mind that are caused by a disease or
disorder
Communicable Disease: a disease that is usually passed from one person to another
Common Bacterial Infectious Diseases
Tetanus: Found in the soil and causes severe muscle cramps, this infection can be prevented
through vaccinations and booster.
Strep Throat: Symptoms of this infection are soar throat, fever, and yellow or white specks on
the tonsils.
Meningitis: an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms
might include: headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea
Sinus Infection: Feeling of pressure in the head, swollen and tender sinuses and spread by
contact with the mucous.
Salmonella: a bacterial infection of the digestive system usually spread by eating contaminated
foods.
Common Viral Infections
Flu: This virus’ symptoms include headache, sore muscles, sore throat, fever, etc. Vaccinations
are available each year to try and prevent this.
Cold: Spread by saliva or mucous of an infected person, very common.
Measles and Mumps: The treatment to this infection is that there are no specific treatments but
get a vaccination
Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver and jaundice
Mononucleosis: Symptoms include: Swollen lymph nodes, fever, weakness, tired, sore throat.
Other Common Infections
Amebic Dysentery: an inflammation of the intestine caused by ameba.
Malaria: The most widespread and serious of protozoan infections. Spread through mosquitoes
Athletes Foot: Fungal infection of the feet from a warm, moist living environment
Lyme Disease: Parasitic Infection caused by disease
Tapeworm: this parasitic infection attaches to the intestinal wall using suckers and hooks on
their head
Spanish Flu: In 1918 a strain of flu viruses called the Spanish Flu became a pandemic. By 1920
the pandemic had killed at least 20 million people. This is more people than were
killed in combat of 4 years of World War I.
How does your body fight off disease?
Physical Barriers: The skin, mucous membranes, chemicals, and anything you put on your body
Inflammatory Response: a reaction to injury or infection that is characterized by pain, swelling,
and redness
Vaccines: substances usually prepared from killed or weakened pathogens or from genetic
material and that is introduced to the body to produce immunity.
Lymphatic System: a network of vessels that carry a clear fluid called lymph
White Blood Cells: primary job is to defend the body against disease
Antibiotics: Medication to treat bacterial infections
Antiviral: Medication to treat viral infections
Name One (page 324-328)
There are eight ways you can stay well: Name one way (8)
There are four ways to prevent the spread of infection-Name one way (5)
There are 5 signs That you need to seek Medical Care – Name one way (5)