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Antiviral

Literally “against-virus” — any medicine capable of destroying,  weakening, or treating a virus.

Antitoxin

A solution of antibodies against a toxin. Antitoxins give passive immunity and can help treat diseases caused by toxins.

Antibody

An antibody is part of the immune system that recognizes foreign substances like bacteria and viruses (antigens) and fights them. Once an antibody encounters an antigen it will remember that antigen and protect against future attacks.

Anaphylaxis

An immediate and severe allergic reaction to a substance (e.g., food or drugs). Symptoms of anaphylaxis include breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness and a drop in blood pressure. This condition can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.

Allergy

When your body has an exaggerated response to a substance (e.g., food or drug). Also known as hypersensitivity.

Adverse events

An “adverse event” is any health problem that happens after a shot or other vaccine. An adverse event might be truly caused by a vaccine, or it might be pure coincidence.

Adjuvant

Adjuvants are “booster” ingredients – they help your body produce a stronger immune response which means greater protection against a disease. The advantage of adjuvants is that they help produce more antibodies and longer-lasting immunity so a smaller amount of…

Acute

An illness or injury that happens suddenly and noticeably.

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