Health Chapter 5: Infectious Diseases

Gamma globulin

A shot of protein that gives protection against diseases such as hepatitis

AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, not a disease, but a result of HIV

Infectious/communicable diseases

All diseases that are caused by the spread of germs, can be passed from one person to another

Lymphocytes

Also called white blood cells, manufactured by the lymph nodes, which travel through the lymphatic system phighting off germs

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, spread through sexual contact

Lymphatic network

Includes vessels that circulate a special body fluid called lymph through the lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease

Bacteria

One-celled, tiny organisms that come in many shapes, rodlike, round, and spiral

Fungi

Organisms that usually cause diseases of the skin such as ringworm and athletes foot

T-cells

Produced specifically to fight a disease with four different jobs, assistant, euthanasiologist, boss of the former, and librarian

chronic diseases

develop gradually and may persist for years

inubation period

the period of time from which a person becomes infected with a microorganism to the time when they actually have symptoms allowing them to recognize the disease

acute diseases

those that develop suddenly with symptoms that are often severe, may become chronic without treatment

immune system

the body's natural resistance

Vaccine

A mixture of weakened or killed germ cells

B-cells

Antibodies that attack germ cells, acting like warriors for your body by destroying individual germ cells and help the body organize an attack against groups of germ cells

Disease

Any condition that negatively affects the normal functioning of the mind or body

Hepatitis A

Caused by a virus that is spread through fecally-contaminated food, water, or objects

Herpes simplex 2

Causes painful rash on the reproductive organs, remains in the body forever and can be passed on to infant during delivery

STD's or Veneral diseases

Diseases that pass from one person to another through sexual contact

Viruses

Responsible for more infections than any other pathogen; much smaller in size than bacteria, causing mumps, measles, chicken pox and more

Hepatitis B

Spread through direct contact with the infected person or through infected needles, causing extensive liver damage

Symptoms

The changes in your body that signal that a particular disease is present

Syphilis (the great imitator)

The least common, but most dangerous STD, with three stages possibly leading to death

Chlamydia

The most common STD in the united states, causing great damage to the reproductive system, even sterility

Gonorrhea

The next most common STD in the united states, causing damage to body joints, the heart, other organs, and sterility

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains a constant internal environment despite external changes

carrier

a person who is carrying a germ but does not seem to be suffering from the illness

antibodies

a special protein produced by lymphocytes

allergen

a substance to which your body is particularly sensitive

resistance

ability to fight the invading germ