What are Some Key Concepts in Epidemiology of Infections?
Key concepts in the epidemiology of infections include the basic reproduction number (R0), herd immunity, and incubation period. The basic reproduction number (R0) represents the average number of secondary infections generated by one infected individual in a fully susceptible population. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient proportion of the population is immune to an infection, thereby reducing the likelihood of transmission. The incubation period is the time between exposure to an infectious agent and the onset of symptoms.