When your child is diagnosed with an infectious disease, you may hear our medical team using medical terms you’re not familiar with. Some of the most common words you may come across include the following:
AIDS – Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disorder that affects the immune system and is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Autoimmune disease – a condition that involves antibodies reacting against the body’s own systems and tissues.
Bacteria – one-cell organisms, such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, that can cause infections; most can be treated with antibiotics.
HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus; causes the immune system to become weak and may lead to AIDS.
Immune system – a collection of cells, chemical messengers and proteins that work together to protect the body from harmful micro-organisms, but can also lead to allergy and hypersensitivity problems.
Immunology – science that deals with the immune system.
Lymphocytes – specialized white blood cells that help the body’s immune system function.
Osteomyelitis – bone infection of any kind.
Viruses – Infection-causing agents that reproduce in host cells, often destroying them; polio, AIDS and colds are all viral illnesses, which cannot be treated with antibiotics.