Dictionary

Infection control

Organisms, precautions and the practices that stop infection spreading.

hand hygieneCleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

HAVHepatitis A virus: a virus that infects the liver and spreads when traces of stool get into the mouth, as through food or water.

healthcare-associated infectionAn infection a client gets while receiving health care that was not present or incubating when care began.

hepatitisInflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus.

hepatitis BA liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.

hepatitis B immune globulinA shot of ready-made antibodies against the hepatitis B virus, giving short-term protection right away.

hepatitis B surface antigenA blood test for a protein from the outer coat of the hepatitis B virus.

hepatitis B vaccineA vaccine that protects against hepatitis B, a virus that infects the liver.

hepatitis B virusThe virus that causes hepatitis B, an infection of the liver.

hepatitis CAn infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.

herpes simplex virusA common virus that infects the skin and lining of the mouth or genitals and stays in the body for life.

HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.

HIV testA blood or saliva test that looks for signs of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, its most advanced stage, written together.

HSV-1Herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus that most often causes cold sores and can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2Herpes simplex virus type 2, the virus that most often causes genital herpes.

human papillomavirusA common group of viruses spread by close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sex.

hydrogen peroxideA clear liquid antiseptic that bubbles as it releases oxygen, used diluted to clean and disinfect.

hygieneCare of the body to keep it clean and healthy, such as bathing, mouth care, hair and nail care.