Glossary
Aerosol: A gaseous suspension of fine solid or liquid particles.
Avian flu: Avian flu is relating to, or characteristic of birds. Avian influenza can infect birds.
Bacteria: Potentially harmful organisms that live in soil, water and the bodies of plants and animals.
Bioterrorism: Terrorist activities that use biological agents to harm or kill victims.
Contagious: A disease that can be spread by contact.
Decontamination: To clean the area that is contaminated.
Epidemic: Epi means "upon" and demos means "people". An epidemic of disease is when more people in a certain area or region become ill above what is normal within a certain time.
Epidemiologist: An epidemiologist is a person who tracks the incidence of disease within a given population.
Immunization: To make immune or protect against a specific disease.
Infectious: Capable of causing infection.
Influenza-like illness: Influenza-like illness is described as a person who has a fever > 100 F and a cough and/or sore throat. Influenza also causes body aches, chills, extreme fatigue and may cause nausea and vomiting in children. Not all people who meet this definition will actually have influenza.
Natural disaster: Widespread destruction caused by nature - floods, hurricanes, tornadoes.
Nonperishable: Food that does not spoil.
Nuclear: An atomic explosion.
Outbreak: An outbreak is when many people get sick at the same time.
Pandemic: Pan means "all" and demos means "people". A pandemic of disease is a disease that has spread around the world to many people.
Public health emergency: Anything that poses an urgent threat to the public's health.
Radiation: The spreading of usually harmful energy waves - most often referring to nuclear energy.
Seasonal flu: Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter months. Peak season in Iowa is from October to May. All Iowans are encouraged to get the influenza vaccine each fall to prevent against seasonal flu.
Toxin: A poisonous substance.
Vaccine: A substance used for protecting humans against deadly diseases such as smallpox.
Vapor: Barely visible or cloudy diffused matter.
Virus: An infection that can cause illness in humans and animals.