Educational only, not medical advice. Microscopic Doctor is a health-education site, not a doctor, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. It does not diagnose or treat anything. For questions about your own health, talk to a licensed health professional. In an emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number). Full disclaimer
Words decoded
Health Glossary in Plain English
Health pages are full of jargon. Here are short, plain meanings for words used across Microscopic Doctor, based on the CDC, NIH, NHS and WHO pages listed below.
An antibody, the immune system's tag: NIAID / Ryan Kissinger, Public domain
Common health terms
Short definitions for learning only. A licensed healthcare professional can explain what any term means for you.
Term
Plain meaning
Read more
Antibody
A protein the immune system makes to identify and fight a specific germ
Vaccines Basics
Antigen
Any substance that starts the immune system making antibodies; the active part of a vaccine
Vaccines Basics
Booster
An extra vaccine dose that tops up protection that fades over time
Vaccines Basics
Rhinovirus
The most frequent cause of colds in the United States
Colds vs Flu
Upper respiratory infection
An infection of the nose and throat area, such as a cold
Colds vs Flu
Dehydration
When the body does not have enough fluid, which can cause unclear thinking and overheating
Hydration
UV rays
Invisible radiation from the sun and tanning beds that can damage skin cells
Sun Safety
SPF
Sun protection factor, a number rating how well sunscreen filters UV rays
Sun Safety
Broad spectrum
Sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays
Sun Safety
Ergonomics
Designing tasks, tools and workspaces to fit the person and prevent discomfort and injury
Posture and Desk Setup
Coronary artery disease
The most common type of heart disease in the US, affecting blood flow to the heart
Heart Health Basics
Moderate-intensity activity
Movement that feels like about 5 or 6 out of 10 effort, such as brisk walking
Physical Activity
Free sugars
Sugars added to food and drink, plus sugars in honey, syrups and fruit juice
Healthy Eating Basics
Chronic stress
Stress that lasts a long time and can make health problems worse
Stress and Mental Wellbeing
Cross-contamination
Germs spreading from raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs to ready-to-eat food
Food Safety at Home
Danger Zone
40°F to 140°F, the range where bacteria in food multiply rapidly
Food Safety at Home
TIA
Transient ischemic attack, stroke symptoms that pass after a few minutes; still needs care right away
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