Final answer:
The periods of disease include the incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and convalescence periods. Each period has its own characteristics and timeline. The incubation period is when the pathogen multiplies in the host before causing signs and symptoms, while the convalescence period is when the acute symptoms of infection disappear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The periods of disease include the incubation period, the prodromal period, the period of illness, the period of decline, and the period of convalescence. During the incubation period, the pathogen begins multiplying in the host, but there are insufficient numbers of pathogen particles present to cause signs and symptoms of the disease. The length of the incubation period can vary depending on factors such as the strength of the pathogen, the strength of the host immune defenses, and the type of infection. The prodromal period is characterized by the onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms, which then progress to more specific symptoms. The illness period is when the patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection. The decline period occurs when the acute symptoms of infection start to disappear. Finally, the convalescence period is the time interval when the acute symptoms of infection completely disappear.