Total Health: Choices for a Winning Lifestyle - Chapter 5

Vaccine

A mixture of weakened or killed germ cells, given orally (by mouth) or through an injection.

Carrier

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

Gamma Globulin

A shot of protein that give protection against the hepatitis disease.

Allergen

A substance to which a person's body is particularly sensitive.

Infectious Disease (Communicable Disease)

All diseases that are caused by the spread of germs.

Sterility

Incapable of producing offspring. May occur in male or female.

T-cells

Lymphocytes that fight germs by several ways, that are different than the way the B-cells fight germs.

B-cells

Lymphocytes that make antibodies that attack germs cells.

Pathogens (Germs)

Microorganisms that cause disease.

Bacteria

One-celled tiny organisms that come in many shaped and grow everywhere

STD

(sexually transmitted diseases) Diseases passed through one person to another through sexual contact

Fungi

An organism that usually causes diseases of the skin.

Disease

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

Chronic Disease

Diseases that develop gradually and may persist for years.

Virus

Smaller in size that bacteria and responsible for more infections that any other pathogen.

Antibodies

Special proteins produced by the lymphocytes in response to a foreign substance in the body.

Resistance

The ability to fight the invading germ.

Symptoms

The changes in the body that signal that a particular disease is present.

Immune System

The group of organs and cells that works with the lymphatic system to fight germs. Also known as the body's natural resistance.

Homeostasis

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

Incubation Period

Their 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.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells manufactured by the lymph nodes to travel through the lymphatic system to fight off germs.

Opportunistic infections

Those diseases do not normally affect a person with a healthy immune system, but do take advantage of a person with AIDS.

Acute Disease

Those diseases that develop suddenly with symptoms that are often severe.

Lymphatic Network

Vessels that circulate a special body fluid called lymph.