Periods of disease

Definition

Periods of disease refer to the distinct stages an infectious disease progresses through within a host. These stages include incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and convalescence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The incubation period is the time between exposure to the pathogen and the appearance of the first symptoms.
2. During the prodromal period, early mild symptoms start to appear but are not yet specific or severe.
3. The illness period is when disease symptoms are most severe and characteristic of the pathogen involved.
4. In the decline period, symptoms begin to subside as the immune system or treatment starts to win against the pathogen.
5. The convalescence period is when recovery occurs, and normal function is restored; however, some pathogens can still be transmissible.

Review Questions

• What happens during the incubation period of a disease?
• Why is the prodromal period important in diagnosing an infection?
• At which stage are disease symptoms most severe?

Related terms

Pathogenicity: The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

Virulence Factor: Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to their pathogenicity.

Host-Pathogen Interaction: The dynamic relationship between a host and a microorganism leading to disease.