Dictionary

Infection control

Organisms, precautions and the practices that stop infection spreading.

IgGImmunoglobulin G: the most common type of antibody in the blood, which gives long-lasting protection against germs.

immuneProtected against a disease, or having to do with the body's defense system against germs and other foreign things.

immune responseThe way the body recognizes and defends itself against germs and other substances it sees as foreign.

immune systemThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.

immunityThe body's ability to resist or fight off a particular infection or disease.

immunizationThe process of making a person protected against a disease, most often by giving a vaccine.

immunization scheduleThe recommended timetable of which vaccines to give, at what ages and how many doses.

immunocompromisedHaving an immune system that is weaker than normal at fighting infection.

immunodeficiencyA state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.

impetigoA contagious bacterial skin infection, most common in young children.

incubationThe time between catching an infection and the first symptoms; also, keeping something warm so it can grow or develop.

incubation periodThe time between catching an infection and the first symptoms.

indwelling urinary catheterA tube passed through the urethra into the bladder and left in place to drain urine into a bag.

infectionThe entry and growth of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, in the body.

infection controlThe policies and practices used in health care to prevent the spread of infection.

infectiousCaused by germs, or able to spread germs and cause infection in others.

infectious diseaseAn illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.

influenzaAn infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.

influenza vaccineA vaccine, given each year, that helps protect against the flu.

influenza virusThe virus that causes influenza (the flu), a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs.

interferon-gamma release assayA blood test that shows whether a person has been infected with the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

isolationKeeping a client apart from others to stop an infection spreading or to protect them from infection; also, being alone without social contact.

isolation precautionsExtra infection-control measures, added to standard precautions, for clients known or thought to have certain contagious infections.

ivermectinAn antiparasitic drug, taken by mouth or put on the skin, that kills certain worms, lice and mites.