What it means
A disease that happens when a pathogenPATH-uh-jenA germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.path/o disease-gen something that producesFull entry enters the body and multiplies. Many can pass from person to person (by touch, droplets, the air, blood or body fluids), from animals or insects, or from food and water. Examples are influenzain-floo-EN-zuhAn infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.Full entry , 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 , measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry and sexually transmitted infectionSEK-shoo-uh-lee trans-MIT-id in-FEK-shunAn infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.Full entry .
For the nurse
Use the precautionprih-KAW-shunA step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.Full entry that match how the disease spreads (standard, contact, droplet or airborne). Teach clients about vaccines, hand hygiene and covering coughs.
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad infecciosa |
|---|---|
| Also written | infectious diseases, infectious-disease, infectious-diseases |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.