Glossary:

 

Anemia:

Low red blood cell count and/or hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells). Results in a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the body tissues.

 

 

 

 

Antibiotic:

Chemical substances that destroy the growth of bacteria and fungi.

 

 

Antibodies:

proteins produced by the immune system to defend the body against infections.

 

 

Bacteria (singular: bacterium):

Small microscopic organisms. Although many are harmless, some bacteria can cause infectious diseases.

 

 

Carrier:

A person who is infected with an organism that causes disease (virus or bacteria) and can spread the organism to others, but does not become ill themselves.

 

 

Chemotherapy:

The treatment of disease using chemical substances, often used to treat cancer

 

 

Cirrhosis:

A chronic liver disease that causes the liver to break down and leads to loss of liver function.

 

 

 

Diabetes Mellitus:

a condition in which the body is unable to produce insulin (Type 1) or to properly use insulin (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that is essential for the proper use of the body’s energy. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications including blindness and amputations and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

 

 

 

 

Endemic:

Belonging to or native to a particular geographical area or environment.

 

 

Epidemic:

A wide-spread outbreak of an infectious disease

 

 

Epi-pen:

The brand name for a needle used to inject epinephrine (also called adrenaline) to treat anaphylactic shock

 

 

Gastroenteritis:

Inflammation (swelling) of the stomach and intestine (bowel), causing diarrhea.

 

 

Guillan- Barré Syndrome:

a neurological disorder with muscle pain and weakness, paralysis (loss of muscle function) may develop.

 

 

Immune System:

the system that protects the body against disease causing substances, such as bacteria and viruses.

 

 

Immunity:

Resistance to an infectious disease because the body’s immune system is able to defend against a particular disease.

 

 

Immunization (vaccination):

A method of providing protection against an infectious disease by administering a vaccine to produce immunity or resistance to a specific disease.

 

 

Incubation Period:

time between exposure to a disease causing agent (virus or bacteria) and when symptoms actually develop.

 

 

Infectious Disease:

A disease caused by a microbial agent (virus, bacteria, fungi) that can be transmitted from one human being to another, or from animal to human, by direct or indirect contact;

 

 

Infection:

The invasion of the body or body tissue by a disease causing microorganism (“germ”) that reproduces and multiplies, interfering with normal body functions.

 

 

Intestinal Flora:

Microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and provide natural protection against certain infections.

 

 

The system of organs that take in food, digest it and expel waste from the body

 

 

 

 

Leukemia:

Cancer of the blood or bone marrow

 

 

PAP test:

an examination performed in your doctor’s office to detect early abnormal cells on the cervix.

 

 

Paralysis:

Complete loss of muscle function of the affected muscle group(s). Often includes loss of feeling in the associated areas.

 

 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

An infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries that causes scarring of the affected organs and can lead to infertility (unable to get pregnant) and other serious complications.

 

 

 

Pneumonia:

An illness of the lungs that can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms include cough, chest pain and difficulty breathing.

 

 

 

 

Reye’s Syndrome:

A disease that can be fatal and affects many organs, especially the liver and brain. It is usually found in children who take aspirin when they have a viral disease (such as chickenpox or influenza).

 

 

Shock:

A life-threatening condition where the body tissues do not receive enough blood.

 

 

Sickle Cell Disease:

A genetic disorder which causes red blood cells to become deformed. This causes a number of problems including anemia, joint pain and organ damage.

 

 

Vaccine:

A substance that prevents a specific disease. The vaccine contains germs, or parts of germs and stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that fight infection. This establishes immunity to the specific type of germ contained in the vaccine. The process of administering vaccines is referred to as vaccination or immunization.

 

 

Virus:

Microscopic life-forms that consist of genetic material and a protein shell. Viruses are “incomplete” because they cannot grow and reproduce on their own. Viruses replicate by getting inside (infecting) the cells of a host organism, which interferes with the cells normal functioning.