Function of the immune system

the immune system removes foreign antigens to maintain homeostasis.

Two-types of immunity

1. natural (innate) 2. acquired (adaptive)

Factors affecting an organism's potential to produce disease

1. number of organisms 2. virulence 3. competence of persons immune system 4. length and intimacy of contact between person and microorganism

Incubation period

- first stage - organism growing and multiplying (it's there but you don't know it yet)

Prodromal stage

- second stage - person is most infectious, vague and nonspecific signs of disease (something isn't right)

Full stage of illness

- third stage - presence of specific signs and symptoms of disease (now we can see the disease)

Convalescent period

- fourth and final stage - recovery from the infection (the patient is getting better)

Infectious agent

What is the germ? - bacteria, fungi, viruses

Reservoir

Where does the germ live? - natural habitat of the organism

Portal of exit

How does it get out? - point of escape

Means of transmission

How does it travel? - direct contact, indirect contact, airborne route

Portal of entry

How does it get it? - point at which organisms enter a new host

Susceptible host

Who can get sick? - must overcome resistance mounted by hosts defenses

Onset

What was the patient doing when the pain started? Did the pain come on gradually or suddenly?

Provocation

What makes the pain worse and what relieves it?

Quality

Describe the pain. Is it sharp, dull, achy, coming and going, constant?

Radiation

Does the pain spread anywhere else in the body?

Severity

How severe is the pain?

Timing

How long has the pain been going on?

Primary prevention

Intervening before an individual has a health issue 1. Education 2. Immunizations 3. Modifications of risky behaviors

Secondary prevention

Early identification of the disease 1. Screenings 2. Health fairs 3. Regular BP checks

Tertiary prevention

Treats the disease and prevents further complications 1. Nutritional education for chronic illness 2. Outpatient therapy 3. Support groups

Who is at risk for infection?

1. Older adults 2. Immunocompromised 3. Invasive devices 4. Broken skin 5. Chronic conditions

1st line of defense

Keep pathogens OUT ex: skin, mucous membranes, tears, saliva, stomach acid, urine flow

2nd line of defense

Attack pathogens that get IN ex: inflammation, fever, phagocytosis, neutrophils, macrophages

3rd line of defense

Target and remember a specific pathogen ex: B cells, T cells, antibodies, memory cells