What it means
A federal public health agency in the United States, usually called the CDC. It tracks outbreaks, studies how diseases spread, and publishes guidance that hospitals follow, such as the rules for hand hygieneHAND HY-jeenCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.Full entry , standard and transmission-based precautionprih-KAW-shunA step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.Full entry , and the vaccine schedules for children and adults.
For the nurse
Exam questions about isolation, personal protective equipment and vaccinevak-SEENA product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.Full entry follow CDC guidance. Some diseases, such as tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry and measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry , must be reported to the local health department, which passes the data on to the CDC.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CDC |
|---|---|
| Also written | CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.