...Influenza Introduction Influenza is among the most prevalent infectious airborne viral diseases that affect the respiratory system. According to the World Health Organization (2016), the infection majorly affects the throat, nose, and the bronchi, and on rare occasions, it may affect the lungs. Also commonly known as the flu, influenza infection is characterized by sneezing, itchy and running nose as well as throat inflammation. The initial signs and symptoms include fever with temperatures higher that 100F, soreness in the back, myalgia, legs and arm muscles, sweats and chills, frontal or retro-orbital headaches, tachycardia, red, watery eyes, and fatigue. Sometimes, a dry and persistent cough, nasal congestion and discharge occur (Clark & Lynch, 2011). Causes and Transmission The Influenza viruses are transmitted in the form of droplets through the atmosphere whenever an infected individual speaks, coughs or even sneezes. A healthy person can either get infected through directly inhaling these contaminated droplets or obtain the viruses from contaminated objects like computer keyboards, mouses or even the phones, and move them to the respiratory pathways like the nose and mouth. According to Clark & Lynch (2011), the infected individuals become contagious a day before the appearance of the first symptoms and continue in this state up to 5 to 10 days after. Studies have revealed that young children and individuals with compromised immune systems remain in the contagious...
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...Epidemiology of Influenza As we welcome the winter season every year, we also welcome the possibility of various communicable diseases that are prone to present during the winter season. Diseases such as pneumonia, measles, chickenpox, and influenza are some of the diseases that make their annual debut during the winter season. These diseases affect certain parts of the body in which compromise ones health in one way or the other. Influenza is a communicable infectious viral disease which has the potential to occur as a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak. Each year the influenza vaccine is offered in order to prevent and/or lessen the effect of the disease. In this paper the communicable disease influenza and its effect of the body and environment will be discussed. Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread from person to person. In order for communicable diseases to make an impact, transmission of the infection must be evident from person to person. When large populations are infected with a disease, whether it is communicable or non-communicable, and epidemiology comes into play. Smith and Maurer describe epidemiology as the study of communicable diseases affecting large groups of people or populations (2009). Prevention play a major role in regards to preventing and decreasing the transmission of communicable diseases. Communicable diseases have chains called the epidemiologic triangle. In order to interrupt transmission, the triangle must be broken at...
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...ASSIGNMENT: DEFINATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, ITS USE AND EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS DATE OF SUBMISSION: 5/02/2014. ANTLANTIC INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY HONOLULU, HAWAII Contents Introduction 2 The Historical Context 2 Recent developments in Epidemiology 2 Definition, scope and use of epidemiology 4 Distribution 5 Determinants 5 Health- related states or events 6 Specified populations 6 Application 7 Scope 7 Epidemiology versus Public Health 7 Causation of diseases 8 Achievements in Epidemiology 9 Small pox 9 Methyl Mercury Poisoning 10 Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease 11 Iodine Deficiency Disease 11 Tobacco use, Asbestos and Lung Cancer 12 Hip Fractures 12 HIV/AIDS 13 Global AIDS epidemic 1990–2003 13 SARS 14 Conclusion 15 Bibliography 16 Introduction This essay provides a brief summary of what epidemiology is, what it is used for and discusses the major successes epidemiologist have contributed towards control and eradication of major epidemics. The discussion will also touch on the historical context and development of the emergency of epidemiology as a science and art, and give example of some of the people that greatly contributed to the achievement scored in epidemiology studies and applications. The Historical Context Epidemiology originated from the Hippocrates` observation more than 200 years ago who identified environmental factors to have an influence on the occurrence of diseases. It was until the nineteenth...
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...Epidemiology Paper Monica Okoro Nur/408 Epidemiology: Global and Public Health September 10, 2012 Diane Campbell, DNP - PHN, FNP - BC Epidemiology Paper Public health nursing allows nurses to encounter various vulnerable populations on a daily basis. In particular, the elderly make up a large portion of the population, and their vulnerability to the environment and other physical factors is a very important aspect of public health nursing. Epidemiology allows the public health nurse to study and assess vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and create interventions that maximize the health potential of all members of the public. This paper will explore the role of epidemiology and also discuss the definition and purpose of epidemiology, epidemiological methods, the epidemiological triangle and levels of prevention that is related with influenza in the elderly community. Definition and Description of Epidemiology Originally, epidemiology was a term that was used to describe the spread of infectious disease. Over the course of time, that definition has expanded considerably in order to accommodate the complexity of ever-changing populations, their environments, and increasing occurrences of disease. Epidemiology is a branch of public health that studies of the frequency, distribution, and determinants of disease in human populations. It studies the patterns of diseases in human populations and how to control health problems associated with disease...
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...and complex communicable diseases in the world population today is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is estimated that 78 million people have been infected and 39 million people have died worldwide since the virus was first identified ("AIDS statistics," 2015, para. 1). HIV is contracted by direct contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. This infection modifies and destroys the specific cells of the immune system ("HIV basics," 2015, para. 1). The result of HIV infection is the eventual progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease) (Klatt, 2015, p. 6). HIV and AIDS are commonly used interchangeably when discussing the disease processes in general terms, but there is a distinctive evolution that identifies the presence of HIV to the development of AIDS. Since HIV targets specific cells, massive cellular destruction leads to the state know as acquired immune deficiency syndrome ("HIV basics," 2015). HIV infection currently has no cure and once acquired. However, with early detection and use of new medication combinations, it can be managed ("HIV Treatment," 2014, para. 3). Epidemiology is the medical study of the causes and transmission of disease within a population. Epidemiologist target specific strategies to break the epidemiological triangle of the agent, the host and the environment. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are organizations that supervise the identification of communicable diseases and provide...
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...Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Angela Wilson NUR / 408 November 4, 2013 Epidemiology and Vulnerable Populations Introduction Health is a state of optimum well-being, a human right and a social goal. The public health mission is to provide and assure conditions that promote health in the community. Public health, epidemiology and nursing practice share the same goal of disease prevention and control. By definition, epidemiology is the study of population in order to monitor the health of the population, understand the determinants of health and disease in the community, and investigate and evaluate interventions to prevent disease and maintain health. (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2012). Epidemiology today is considered to be the core science of public health and is described as a constellation of disciplines with a common mission: optimal health for the whole community (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2008). Epidemiology has reformed public health and continues to strive for disease prevention and health promotion in communities across the world. The population...
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...Running head: EPIDEMIOLOGY PAPER - HEPATITIS B 1 Epidemiology Paper - Hepatitis B Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V-0102 EPIDEMIOLOGY PAPER - HEPATITIS B Epidemiology Paper - Hepatitis B 2 ―Communicable disease‖ means an illness caused by an infectious agent or its toxins that occurs through the direct or indirect transmission of the infectious agent or its products from an infected individual or via an animal, vector or the inanimate environment to a susceptible animal or human host‖ ("CDC," 2010, p. 1). Hepatitis B is one of the communicable diseases which are a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). CAUSES ―Exposure may occur: After a needle stick or sharps injury - Hepatitis B is a concern for health care workers and anyone else who comes in contact with human blood If any blood or other body fluid touches your skin, eyes or mouth People who may be at risk of hepatitis B are those who: Unprotected sex with an infected partner – one may become infected having unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner whose blood, saliva, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body. Receive blood transfusions (not common in the United States) Have contact with blood at work (such as health care workers) Have been on long-term kidney dialysis Get a tattoo or acupuncture with unclean needles Share needles during drug use - HBV is easily transmitted through needles and syringes contaminated...
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...Hepatitis B: An Epidemic The World Health Organization defines epidemiology as “the study of the distribution and determinants of health- related states or events, and the application of the study to the control of diseases and other health problems” (CDC, 2014). Determinates of health are “the circumstances in which people are born, live, work and age as well as the systems put in place to deal with illness”. The communicable disease chain is a model beneficial to integrating the many concepts of communicable diseases (Maurer & Smith, 2009). A nurse has a significant role in preventing and controlling infectious disease. A vital factor in preparing for clinical nursing practice is having an understanding of the infection process and techniques on how to prevent it. This paper focuses on a prevalent communicable disease, Hepatitis B. This writer will give a description of the disease, the demographic affected by the disease, what determinates contribute to the development of Hepatitis B, she will discuss the epidemiology triangle of the disease, explain the role of the community health nurse in this community, and explain various agencies and resources patients diagnosed with this disease can access. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Two types exist: the acute illness and the chronic illness. In the acute illness, the immune system is able to rid the body of the virus and a complete recovery may occur in a few months. Chronic hepatitis...
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...Epidemiology by definition is the study of the distribution and patterns of health-events, health- characteristics and their causes or influences in well-defined populations. It is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform policy decisions and evidence-based by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive medicine. Epidemiologists are involved in the design of studies, collection and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review).Major areas of epidemiological study include outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and biomonitoring, and comparisons of treatment effects such as in clinical trials. Epidemiologists rely on a number of other scientific disciplines such as biology (to better understand disease processes), biostatistics (to make efficient use of the data and draw appropriate conclusions), and exposure assessment and social science disciplines (to better understand proximate and distal risk factors, and their measurement). I would like to discuss elderly patients as my vulnerable population. There is no set age at which a person maybe under the care of a geriatric physician. The physician aims to promote health by preventing disease and disabilities in geriatric adults. A gerontologist specializes in the aging process. Adult medicine differs from the geriatric patient because the focus is on the elderly...
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...Tuberculosis _ Epidemiology and Nursing Research. November14, 2013 Tuberculosis _Epidemiology and Nursing Research. Communicable diseases occurs in every country regardless of urban, rural, or with socio economical diversities. In order to help in prevention and control of communicable diseases, locally, nationally and globally, nurses who are working with the public health system , must have basic understanding of epidemiology, microbiology, treatments, and knowledge about public health system and the legal system. Although, the United states attained a significant success in attaining the control over the communicable diseases, compared to the other parts of the world since 1940s, communicable diseases are still leading cause of death in the United States.(Maurer &Smith, 2012). Tuberculosis(TB) is a air bourn infectious disease which is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. People who are living in poor socioeconomic background and who are living in medically underserved communities are more prone to this deadly , but preventable and curable disease. This disease continue to be as an indicator of poverty and low socio-economic background. Most of the time people affected with this deadly disease are undiagnosed early and affected with malnutrition or immunologically compromised. Tuberculosis can affect several organs...
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...Concepts of Epidemiology: Tuberculosis Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V 10-26-2014 Concepts of Epidemiology: Tuberculosis “In 2013, 9 million people fell ill with TB and 1.5 million died from the disease” (WHO, 2014). Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable. TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. About one-third of the world's population has latent TB, which means people have been infected by TB bacteria, but is not (yet) ill with the disease and cannot transmit the disease. (WHO, 2014). “Tuberculosis mostly affects young adults, in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries. People who are infected with HIV are 26 to 31 times more likely to become sick with TB” (WHO, 2014). Risk of active TB is also greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system. Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. “TB is a treatable and curable disease. Active, drug-sensitive TB disease is treated with a standard six-month course of four antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the...
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...Epidemiology: Chickenpox Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V August 10, 2014 Epidemiology: Chickenpox (Varicella) Communicable Disease Overview: Chickenpox Chickenpox also known as varicella is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. Chickenpox can have serious consequences, especially in babies, adults, and immunocompromised persons. The disease spreads easily from infected people to others who have never received the chickenpox vaccine or had chickenpox. Chickenpox spreads in the air through coughing or sneezing through the respiratory tract. The virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters are highly contagious. If a person touches or breaths in the virus particles it will become infected ("Chickenpox (varicella)," 2011). The first symptoms usually develop 14 – 16 days after the person is exposed to the infection. The infected person will have fever of 38C – 39.4C, feeling tired, decreased appetite, headache, cough and sore throat. Adults and teens can experience severe symptoms while in children’s symptoms are mild. The itchy rash develops 1- 2 days after the first symptoms. The upper body is mostly affected and can spread to the face, arms and legs. The varicella is most contagious from 2-3 days before the rash develops until the blisters have dried and formed crust. The most serious complication is skin infection for children under age 5. When...
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...Benchmark Assignment: The Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Andrea Elena Medina Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V Concepts in Community and Public Health Thursday, December 08, 2015 Benchmark Assignment: The Epidemiology of Hepatitis B A major global health issue impacting the international health community is Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is viral condition that injures the liver due to the attempt to eliminate the virus, leading to progressive liver disease and cirrhosis (Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B), 2014). The incidence of cirrhosis developing in people with chronic HBV is 8-20% (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2013; European Association for the Study of the Liver, 2012); the annual incidence of HBV-related liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, is 2-5% of people with cirrhosis (EASL, 2012). A person infected with Hepatitis B can transmit the virus to another person who hasn’t been affected by Hepatitis B in several ways. People can become infected with the virus when they come into contact with contaminated blood, semen and when other body fluids mix with the uninfected person’s body fluids. Examples of transmission occur from sexual contact, blood transfusion before the year 1992, sharing of needles or syringes, and from mother to baby at birth. Hepatitis B can be an acute, or short-term, illness for some people but for others, it can often lead to a lifelong chronic infection. The risk for chronic infection is related to a person’s age at the time of infection:...
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...Epidemiology CHF NUR/408 April 1, 2013 Epidemiology Epidemiology is used to help better understand a diseases process, how they work, and how they are transmitted. This helps us to better treat the disease. The process of epidemiology is lengthy but must be followed accurately to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiology is used when a new disease is found and when a disease reappears in high numbers. A common disease in the elderly is congestive heart failure (CHF). The epidemiology process can be used to better understand the disease, what causes it and how to treat it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems. Various methods can be used to carry out epidemiological investigations, such as surveillance and descriptive studies that can be used to study distribution and analytical studies are used to study determinants (WHO, 2011). Epidemiology tries to determine what causes disease and what people can do to prevent disease. Epidemiology was first used when scientists tried to discover causes of diseases, such as smallpox and polio (Cornell University, 1993). Epidemiology is no longer limited to transmissible diseases. Epidemiology usually cannot prove a cause of a disease; it can only show certain risk factors...
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...Chicken Pox: Varicella-Zoster- Its Epidemiology Grand Canyon University A communicable disease that affects any age group is Varicella, or more commonly known as Chicken Pox. This contagious disease is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus. A person who has not had the virus, or has been vaccinated with chicken pox can get the disease. Symptoms of chicken pox include high fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headaches. Chicken pox causes fluid filled blisters that show up on the face, chest and back, then spreading onto the rest of the body. The fluid filled blisters eventually turns into scabs as the disease progresses. A person who received the chicken pox vaccine can get the virus, but with a mild case of the symptoms such as a low grade fever and less blisters. (CDC 2011) The virus can be spread through the air as when someone who is infected cough or sneezes. The virus can also be transmitted when coming in close contact with someone that is infected. Therefore, an individual who becomes infected would be precaution towards contact, airborne and droplet protocols. A person can be contagious 1 to 2 days prior to visible signs of the virus, such as the blisters showing up. Afterwards, they will remain contagious until the blisters have formed into scabs. Complications to the virus may rise with those that have a weak immune system such as infants or people with HIV/AIDS. Others, such as pregnant woman, are also at a higher risk of complications if coming into...
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