What it means
Public health looks after groups rather than one client at a time: vaccination programs, clean water and food, tracking diseases and stopping outbreaks, screening, health teaching and planning for disasters. It is run by local and state health departments and, in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSEN-terz for dih-ZEEZ kun-TROHL and prih-VEN-shunThe United States government agency that studies disease and sets national guidance on preventing and controlling it.Full entry . Public health nurses work in clinics, schools, homes and the community.
For the nurse
Certain diseases, such as tuberculosis and measles, must by law be reported to the health department; follow your facility's process.
At a glance
| Spanish | salud pública |
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Related terms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The United States government agency that studies disease and sets national guidance on preventing and controlling it.
health promotion
Helping people take actions that keep them well and improve their health.
pandemic
An outbreak of disease that spreads across several countries or continents and affects very many people.
epidemic
A rise in cases of a disease in a community or region well above what is normally expected.
endemic
Describing a disease that is always present at a steady, expected level in a certain area or group.