Glossary
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Need a definition? Please
A
AFRRI
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute.
AIDS
An infectious disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1, HIV-2), a retrovirus that causes immune system failure and debilitation. HIV is spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
Absorb
Take up fluids, take in.
Acute
Of sudden onset or short duration.
Adenopathy
Swollen lymph nodes.
Adjuvant
Helpful, assisting, aiding. A substance that, when added to a medicine, speeds or improves its action -or- A substance added to a vaccine to improve the immune response.
Adverse Effect
Side effect.
Ambulatory
Able to walk.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gerhig's Disease)
A serious, progressive, neurologic disease in which loss of nerve cells produces muscle paralysis.
Anthrax
A bacterial disease transmitted to humans usually by contact with infected animals or their discharges (agricultural anthrax) or with contaminated animal products (industrial anthrax).
Anthrax vaccine
A series of six shots given over 18 months and followed by annual booster shots to protect against the disease anthrax.
Antibiotic
Drug that kills bacteria and other germs.
Antibody
A type of protein made by the immune system, usually in response to a foreign substance. Antibodies are an important natural defense against infection.
Anticonvulsant
Drug used to prevent seizures.
Anxiety disorders
Disorders in which anxiety (persistent feelings of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness) is the predominant disturbance.
Asthma
A lung disease in which tightening of the air passages can provoke wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Asymptomatic
Without symptoms.
