puberty: Transitional stages of physical and psychological development beginning at the start of adolescence, typically between the ages of 11 and 13, concluding in adulthood. Individuals undergoing this transition are referred to as Youth.
antibody: A multitude of proteins produced by the body from B cells and released into the bloodstream as part of the immune response. Antibody production is triggered when the body encounters an antigen, a foreign substance. The antibodies then bind to the antigen as the initial step in neutralizing bacteria or other foreign substances that are the source of these antigens.
Bacteria: (adj. Bacterial) Single-celled organisms. They inhabit nearly every corner of the Earth, from the depths of the ocean to the interiors of other organisms (such as plants and animals). Bacteria constitute one of the three domains of life on Earth.
cancer: Any of more than 100 different diseases, each characterized by the rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The progression and spread of cancers, also known as malignant tumors, can result in tumors, pain, and death.
Clinical trials: Research studies involving human participants.
Clot: A cluster of blood cells (platelets) and proteins gathered in a localized area (when aided by medications) that stops blood flow.
COVID-19 (COVID-19): Name given to the disease that sparked a major global pandemic in 2020. It is caused by a novel coronavirus that first emerged in 2019 and is known as SARS-COV-2. Symptoms include pneumonia, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, fever, headache, blood clotting, and brain fog.
dehydration: Loss of body fluids.
Develop: To come into existence or manifest naturally or through human intervention, such as through manufacturing.
diarrhea: (adj. diarrheal) Loose, watery stool that can be a symptom of various types of microbial infections affecting the intestines.
diphtheria: A bacterial infection where bacteria produce toxins that damage healthy tissues in the respiratory system. Breathing difficulties can arise within days. Other symptoms include weakness, fever, and severe throat pain. Once the toxin enters the bloodstream, it can ultimately affect the heart, kidneys, and nerves. Vaccines are available for prevention. It is usually administered to children as part of a vaccine combination targeting tetanus and pertussis.
environment: The totality of everything that surrounds certain living organisms and processes, and the conditions they create. Environment can refer to the climate and ecosystem in which certain animals live, or the temperature and humidity (or placement of objects near the item of interest).
Fatigue: Feeling exhausted, lacking energy, or experiencing fatigue.
Fertility: Capacity to reproduce.
influenza: Shortened term for influenza. It is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever and severe muscle pain. It often occurs in seasonal outbreaks.
Food and Drug Administration: (or FDA) Regulatory agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for ensuring the safety of numerous products. It oversees that medications are properly labeled and safe and effective, that cosmetics and dietary supplements are safe and appropriately labeled, and that tobacco products are regulated.
germ: An individual microorganism, such as bacteria, fungal species, or viral particles. Some bacteria can cause illness. Others can contribute to the health of more complex organisms like birds and mammals. However, much remains unknown about the health effects of most bacteria.
hepatitis: Potentially serious liver inflammation due to infection by various hepatitis viruses. These viruses are named hepatitis-A, -B, -C, -D, and -E.
HPV: Abbreviation for Human papillomavirus. This has become the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. It can lead to genital warts or be asymptomatic. However, infection can later result in various cancers. The CDC recommends vaccination for all boys and girls aged 11 to 12 years old. Catch-up vaccinations are also recommended for men up to 21 years old and women up to 26 years old.
Immune system: Collection of cells and their reactions that aid the body in fighting infections and handling foreign substances that may induce allergies.
Immunity: The body’s ability to resist a specific infection or toxin by providing cells that eliminate, kill, or disarm harmful substances or infectious agents. Or colloquially, it can refer to the ability to avoid other types of negative consequences (such as dismissal from work or harassment).
infection: (adj. Infectious) An illness that can spread from one organism to another, usually caused by some form of microorganism.
inflammation: (adj. Inflammatory) The body’s response to cell damage and infection. It often includes swelling, redness, fever, and pain. It is also a central feature responsible for the development and exacerbation of many diseases, particularly heart disease and diabetes.
kidney: Each of the mammalian organs responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.
measles: A highly contagious disease, typically affecting children. Symptoms include distinctive rashes, headaches, runny nose, and widespread coughing. Some individuals may develop brain swelling (potentially causing brain damage) and pneumonia, both of which can be fatal. Fortunately, vaccines have been available since the mid-1960s, significantly reducing the risk of infection.
Meningococcal disease: Potentially lethal diseases caused by infection with Neisseria Meningitides bacteria. Spread through saliva, it can be transmitted through kissing or sharing living spaces with an infected individual (such as in camps or dormitories). Initial symptoms may resemble flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or a stiff neck. If untreated, the bacteria can infect the brain, spinal cord, or bloodstream lining.
Mumps: A highly contagious childhood viral disease characterized by swollen cheeks and jaws due to inflammation of the salivary glands. It causes fever, muscle pain, headaches, and extreme fatigue resembling flu-like symptoms. The virus spreads through sneezing, coughing, or by touching virus-contaminated surfaces like a patient’s hands, drinking glass, spoons, and other items. In rare cases, the disease can lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or other tissues, resulting in hearing loss.
muscle: A type of tissue responsible for generating movement by contracting muscle fibers. Since muscles are abundant in protein, predators seek prey containing this tissue.
Outbreak: The sudden occurrence of a disease in human and animal populations. The term can also apply to the sudden emergence of catastrophic natural events like earthquakes and tornadoes.
paralysis: Inability to voluntarily move muscles in one or more body parts. In some cases, the nerve carrying the motor signal may be severed or damaged. Otherwise, the issue may originate in the brain, where it may fail to interpret or act on nerve signals intended for movement.
Pediatrician: A physician specializing in medical care related to child health, particularly infants and children.
pneumonia: Lung disease characterized by infections from viruses and bacteria, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. In severe cases, the lungs may fill with fluid or mucus, resulting in symptoms like fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Polio: An infectious viral disease affecting the central nervous system, potentially causing temporary or permanent paralysis.
Political: (n. Politics) An adjective referring to the activities of individuals involved in governing a town, state, country, or other group of people. It encompasses deliberations on creating or amending laws, setting policies for the governing community, and disputes among factions seeking to alter regulations or taxes, or resolving legal interpretations. Those engaging in these activities professionally are known as politicians.
range: The full extent or distribution of something. For instance, a range of flora and fauna denotes a natural area. In mathematics or measurements, range signifies the span within which values can vary (e.g., from the highest to the lowest temperature). Moreover, it can describe the distance that something can reach or be perceived.
Recollection:Remembering.
Respiration: Pertaining to or referencing a body part (known as the respiratory system) involved in breathing. It includes the lungs, nose, sinuses, throat, and other large airways.
risk: The possibility of an adverse event occurring, either empirically or mathematically. For example, exposure to radiation carries the risk of cancer. It can also denote danger or peril itself. (e.g., Among the various cancer risks individuals confront, radiation and consumption of arsenic-contaminated water were notable.)
RSV: Abbreviation for respiratory syncytial virus. This infection typically manifests as mild cold symptoms, except in young children and the elderly, where it can swiftly progress to severe symptoms, even fatalities.
rubella: Formerly known as “German” measles or 3-day measles, rubella was once a common infectious childhood disease. Brief infections tend to induce mild fever and rashes spreading from the face to the body. Nearly half of those infected show no symptoms. The primary risk is for infants born of mothers infected during pregnancy, as they may develop hearing loss, vision problems, heart defects, cognitive impairment, or liver and spleen impairment.
Side effects: Unintended issues or harm resulting from a procedure or treatment.
strain: (In biology) Organisms belonging to the same species sharing certain minor definable traits. For example, certain bacteria or viruses may acquire mutations resulting in strains that are resistant to the usual lethal effects of one or more drugs.
system: A network of components working together to achieve a specific function. For instance, blood, blood vessels, and the heart are key components of the human body’s circulatory system. Similarly, trains, platforms, locomotives, rail signals, and bridges form the components of a nation’s railway system. System can also apply to processes or ideas constituting a method to perform a task or a structured set of actions.
tetanus: An unusual type of bacterial infection that typically doesn’t spread among individuals. These bacteria sources are usually present in soil, dust, or animal feces. The disease induces stiff, painful muscles throughout the body, including jaw spasms (referred to as “lockjaw”). Other symptoms may include fever, seizures, sweating, and headaches.
Texas: The second largest state in the U.S., situated along the southern border with Mexico. Approximately 790 miles long and covering an area of 268,581 square miles.
vaccine: (v. Vaccination) A biological preparation resembling disease-causing agents, administered to help the body develop immunity against specific diseases. The injections used to deliver most vaccines are termed vaccinations.
virus: Small infectious particles composed of genetic material (RNA or DNA) enclosed by proteins. Viruses can only reproduce by injecting genetic material into living cell and hijacking the cell’s machinery. Scientists commonly debate whether viruses are alive or not, but many argue that viruses lack the hallmark features of life, such as independently consuming nutrients or synthesizing their own food. To survive, viruses rely on manipulating the cellular machinery of living hosts.
Source: www.snexplores.org