Public Health Terminology

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Epidemiology

The study of disease patterns. It helps guide prevention.

Outbreak

A sudden increase in disease cases. It requires rapid response.

Pandemic

A disease that spreads across countries. It affects large populations.

Surveillance

Monitoring health data. It helps detect trends.

Prevention

Actions that reduce disease risk. Examples include vaccines.

Health Promotion

Activities that encourage healthy behaviors. They improve well being.

Risk Factor

A trait that increases disease likelihood. It may be behavioral or genetic.

Immunity

The body’s ability to resist infection. It may be natural or acquired.

Quarantine

Separating people exposed to disease. It helps prevent spread.

Isolation

Separating sick individuals. It protects others.

Vector

An organism that spreads disease. Examples include mosquitoes.

Transmission

The way disease spreads. It may be through air contact or fluids.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure and symptoms. It varies by disease.

Morbidity

The rate of illness in a population. It helps measure impact.

Mortality

The rate of death in a population. It helps assess severity.

Screening

Tests that detect disease early. They improve outcomes.

Intervention

Actions taken to improve health. They may be individual or community based.

Health Equity

Fair access to health resources. It reduces disparities.

Policy

A rule that guides health decisions. It affects communities.

Community Health

The well being of a group of people. It depends on resources and environment.