What is the time interval between exposure and beginning of infectious period; if shorter than incubation period, individual is infectious before they know they are ill?

• A. Latent period
• B. Incubation period
• C. Infectious period
• D. Prodromal period

Answer: (A)

The interval from exposure to the moment you first become infectious is the latent period. This differs from the incubation period, which is the time from exposure to the appearance of symptoms. If the latent period is shorter than the incubation period, you can be contagious before you realize you’re ill, enabling presymptomatic transmission. The infectious period is how long you are capable of transmitting, and the prodromal period refers to early, nonspecific symptoms that may occur before full illness but aren’t defined by the start of infectiousness.