Biology Forums - Study Force

Explain how the incubation period can influence the spread of an infectious agent.
 
  A.
  An infectious carrier will only spread the illness when they are showing acute symptoms. As such, the length of incubation period is not important for spreading the illness.
 
  B.
  Depending on the microbe and the illness, an asymptomatic carrier in the incubation period might be shedding infectious microbes to his/her surroundings. In such a case, a longer incubation period would lead to a greater spread of the disease as the carrier comes into contact with more individuals while he/she is generally appearing to be healthy.
 
  C.
  A very short incubation period will place a patient into the highly infectious active disease state sooner. Since people avoid contact with actively ill individuals, a very short incubation period will always lead to a DECREASE in the spread of an infectious disease.
 
  D.
  A very long incubation period will place a patient into the highly infectious active disease state later. Since people generally avoid contact with actively ill individuals, a very long incubation period will always lead to a DECREASE in the spread of an infectious disease.

---

A placebo is a mock drug
 
  Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

---

In a double-blind test the treating physician knows who is getting the actual treatment.
 
  Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

---

Nosocomial infections are those acquired at a hospital
 
  Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

---

Diseases with long incubation periods are more likely to spread extensively.
 
  Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Content hidden