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.