INFECTIOUS

DISEASE
LESSON OBJECTIVE
Trace the chain and
stages of infection
 INFECTION
Described as an illness caused
by disease-causing organisms
that enter the body and multiply
 DISEASE
A disorder of structure or function body, producing
specific signs or symptoms or that affects all or
specific parts
 SICKNESS

The entire disease-illness process

 PATHOGEN
Disease-causing agents in the form of bacteria,
viruses, fungi and protozoa
 HOST
An organism that can acquire the disease
 CHAIN OF INFECTION
A process in which a favorable condition is
required for microorganisms to spread or transfer
from reservoir to a susceptible host
 CHAIN OF INFECTION

Infectious agent 01 02 Reservoir

Susceptible Host 06 03 Portal of exit

Portal of Entry 05 04 Means of

transmission
 ACTIVITY
Identify how the chain of infection works in
Covid-19 disease using the same model presented.
 CHAIN OF INFECTION
CORONA
VIRUS
Infectious agent 01 02 Reservoir

Susceptible Host 06 03 Portal of exit

Portal of Entry 05 04 Means of

transmission
 SIGNS SYMPTO
A manifestation of M
disease that the A manifestation of
physician perceives disease apparent to
the patient himself
 Illness
(most severe signs and
B. Level of intensity
of signs and symptoms)
symptoms
Prodromal Decline
(declining signs and
Period symptoms)
(vague, general
symptoms)

Incubation Convalescence
(no signs or symptoms)
Period
(no signs or symptoms)

A.
Stages
 The incubation period occurs in an acute disease
after the initial entry of the pathogen into the host
(patient).

It is during this time the pathogen begins

multiplying in the host.

However, there are insufficient numbers of

pathogen particles (cells or viruses) present to cause
signs and symptoms of disease.

Incubation periods can vary from a day or two in

acute disease to months or years in chronic disease,
depending upon the pathogen.
The PRODROMAL PERIOD occurs after the
incubation period.

During this phase, the pathogen continues to

multiply and the host begins to experience general
signs and symptoms of illness, which typically
result from activation of the immune system, such
as fever, pain, soreness, swelling, or inflammation.

Usually, such signs and symptoms are too general

to indicate a particular disease.
The PERIOD OF ILLNESS, the time in which the
signs and symptoms of disease are most obvious
and severe.
The PERIOD OF DECLINE, during which
the number of pathogen particles begins to
decrease, and the signs and symptoms of
illness begin to decline.

However, during the decline period, patients

may become susceptible to developing
secondary infections because their immune
systems have been weakened by the primary
infection.
The PERIOD OF
CONVALESCENCE is the time in
which the patient generally returns to
normal functions, although some
diseases may inflict permanent
damage that the body cannot fully
repair.
 ACTIVITY
Identify stages of infection in Covid-19 disease using the chart presented
below by writing the events that take place in each stage.
STAGES OF INFECTION IN COVID-19 DISEASE
Incubation Prodromal Convalescence
Illness Decline Period
Period Period Period