Final answer:
An acute infection is a disease where symptoms develop rapidly and the illness is short-term, often resolving quickly or leading to rapid deterioration.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disease wherein symptoms develop rapidly and it runs its course quickly is referred to as an acute infection. Acute diseases are characterized by a short-term duration. Pathologic changes with these illnesses occur over a relatively quick timespan such as hours, days, or a few weeks, involving a rapid onset of the disease conditions. For instance, influenza is considered an acute disease due to its short incubation period and the relatively quick progression of illness.