E
epidemic: The onset of a disease that occurs in an unusually high number of individuals in a community
at the same time and is clearly in excess of normal expectancy in a defined community, geographical
area or season.
F
flu: Infection and illness due to influenza virus. It is often erroneously used to refer to common colds or
even gastrointestinal illnesses.
H
Hemagglutinin (H): An agglutinating protein (antigen) on the surface of influenza virus. Differences in the
amino acid sequences give rise to the different subtypes of influenza type A viruses.
hypoxia: A deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body.
I
incubation period: The period of time between the infection of an individual by a disease-causing agent
and the manifestation of the disease it causes.
infectious: Capable of transmitting an infectious agent from one person to another
influenza: A highly contagious seasonal respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is
characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, exhaustion, and severe muscle
aches.
intubation: The introduction of a tube into the trachea to mechanically maintain oxygen flow to the lungs.
M
morbidity: Departure from a state of well-being (physiologically or psychologically).
mortality: Death
mutation: A relatively permanent change in the genetic material
N
Neuraminidase (N): A hydrolytic enzyme (antigen) on the surface of influenza virus. It dissolves the
protective viscosity of cellular mucous lining, allowing release of new viruses into the respiratory tract.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): An international nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce
the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating
scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
P
pandemic: A widespread, usually global spread of a disease, which the human population has no
immunity.
prevention: Taking measures for anticipation, prevention, detection, and early treatment of disease
Preventive Medicine: A branch of medical science dealing with methods of preventing the occurrence of
disease or illness
Public Health: The art and science of protecting and improving community health by means of prevention,
education, disease control, and sanitation.
PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada): A Canadian government agency that seeks to promote and
protect the health of Canadians through leadership, partnership, innovation and action in public health.
Q
quarantine: A restraint on the activities of persons or the transport of goods that is designed to prevent
the spread of disease.
R
resistance: The ability of microbial strains or pathogens to withstand effects of antimicrobial agents
rimantadine (Flumadine): Antiviral medication for treatment and prophylaxis of adults with influenza type
A virus exposure. It is not effective against influenza type B.
S
subtype: A sub-classification of influenza type A viruses based on the surface proteins – hemagglutinin
(H) and neuraminidase (N)
swine influenza A (H1N1): A respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes
regular outbreaks in pigs. Until recently the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has not normally infected
humans, but the latest form has and can be spread from person-to-person. The latest H1N1 contains
genetic material typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.
V
vaccination: The administration of vaccine in order to induce an immune response for future protection
against the infectious agent of interest
vaccine: A substance that can stimulate the immune system to protect against an infectious organism of
interest at a future point in time.
virus: A group of infectious parasites that are typically much smaller than bacteria and characterized by
their inability to reproduce outside of a living host cell.
W
WHO (World Health Organization): Specialized health agency of the United Nations that seeks the
attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO is governed by 192 Member States
through the World Health Assembly.