Infectious Disease Trends

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Introduction: This assignment aims to analyze infectious diseases from an epidemiological perspective, evaluating the role of nursing within this field, identifying current infectious diseases, associating them with Healthy People 2020 objectives, and analyzing evidence-based practices that aim to reduce their incidence and prevalence. This analysis can help public health nurses prioritize health promotion and develop disease prevention strategies.

1. Definition of Epidemiology, Outbreak, Incidence, and Prevalence: Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in populations and the application of this study to control health problems. An outbreak is the occurrence of cases of a disease, in excess of what is normally expected in a defined community, geographical area, or season. Incidence is the number of new cases of a specific disease during a defined time period within a population at risk. Prevalence is the number of existing cases of a specific disease at a given point in time in a population.

2. Role of Nursing Within Epidemiology: Nursing plays a critical role in epidemiology, as they are responsible for collecting data, analyzing it, and identifying patterns of disease. They also help to implement strategies to control the spread of infectious diseases and promote public health. Nurses advocate for health promotion and disease prevention, educate the public on healthy behaviors, and work with healthcare providers to identify and treat infectious diseases.

3. Current Infectious Diseases Locally, Statewide, and Nationally: Some current infectious diseases in the United States include COVID-19, influenza, and HIV/AIDS. COVID-19 has significantly impacted the U.S. healthcare system and has caused a significant number of deaths. Influenza, while less severe, also has a significant impact on the healthcare system and can cause complications, such as pneumonia. HIV/AIDS continues to be an ongoing public health concern, with new cases being reported each year.

4. Association of Three Current Infectious Diseases with Healthy People 2020 Objectives: COVID-19 is associated with the Healthy People 2020 objective of reducing the proportion of adults who experience social isolation. Influenza is associated with the Healthy People 2020 objective of increasing influenza vaccination rates among adults. HIV/AIDS is associated with the Healthy People 2020 objective of reducing HIV infections among high-risk populations.

5. Evidence-Based Practices Aimed at Reducing Infectious Diseases: Evidence-based practices for reducing infectious diseases include vaccination, hand hygiene, contact precautions, isolation precautions, and barrier protection. Vaccination is a key preventive strategy for many infectious diseases, such as influenza and COVID-19. Hand hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, as well as using contact and isolation precautions to prevent transmission. Barrier protection, such as using condoms, is a key strategy for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections like HIV.

Conclusion: Understanding infectious diseases is critical for public health nurses, as it allows them to identify patterns of disease, develop prevention strategies, and promote health. By analyzing these diseases from an epidemiological perspective and evaluating evidence-based practices, nurses can make informed decisions that help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, improve public health, and enhance patient outcomes.