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Course of Disease
Course of Infectious disease
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Incubation period | Infectious agent reproduces, but there are no recognizable symptoms. The infectious agent may, however, exit the host at this time and infect others. |
Prodromal stage | Initial symptoms appear, which may be vague and nonspecific. They may include mild fever, headache, and loss of usual energy. |
Acute stage | Symptoms become severe and specific to the tissue or organ that is affected. For example, TB is manifested by respiratory symptoms. |
Convalescent stage | The symptoms subside as the host overcomes the infectious agent. |
Resolution | The pathogen is destroyed. Health improves or is restored. |