INFECTIOUS DISEASE: RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CONTROL
Although our degree of control over risk factors for disease may vary according to socioeconomic condition, cultural upbringing, geographic location, and a host of other variables, we all have some degree of personal control over certain risk factors for disease. Too much stress, inadequate nutrition, a low physical fitness level, lack of sleep, misuse or abuse of legal and illegal substances, personal hygiene, high-risk behaviors, and other variables significantly increase the risk for a number of diseases. Several controllable risk factors are noted with an asterisk in the following list. These factors influence a person’s response to pathogens:- Dosage, virulence, and portal of entry of agent - Age at time of infection- Preexisting level of immunity- Nature and vigor of immune response- Genetic factors controlling immune response- Nutritional status of host- Preexisting diseases- Personal habits: smoking, alcohol, exercise, drugs- Dual infection or super-infection with other agents- Psychological factors (e.g., motivation, emotional status, and so on)*2/277/5*
