Infectious Diseases Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Infectious Diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens, which can be any kind of microorganism, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses. These diseases are spread between people through contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. Common infectious diseases include the flu, colds and other respiratory infections; sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS; malaria and tuberculosis; food-related illnesses like salmonella and E. coli; and environmental illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease. The spread of infectious diseases is a major health concern in both developing countries and industrialized nations alike. In many cases, these diseases can be prevented through good hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers regularly. Vaccines also play an important role in preventing the spread of certain infectious disease by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight off the pathogen before it has a chance to cause illness. However, despite advances in medical care and prevention strategies, infectious diseases still remain a common source of illness worldwide. Additionally, emerging strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become increasingly problematic due to their ability to evade treatment with traditional drugs. As such, it is critical that public health officials work together to develop new strategies for managing existing pathogens while also monitoring for new threats that could arise from changes in global climate patterns or increased international travel/trade activities.