Which term best describes diseases that persist over time?

Which term best describes diseases that persist over time?

• A. Acute
• B. Chronic
• C. Contagious
• D. Latent

Answer: (B)

Diseases that persist over time are described as chronic conditions. Chronic means long-lasting, often lifelong, and can stay relatively stable or progress slowly instead of resolving quickly. Acute describes something with a sudden onset and short duration, so it doesn’t fit a disease that lasts for a long period. Contagious refers to the ability to spread to others, which isn’t about how long a disease lasts. Latent refers to a state where a pathogen is present but dormant or inactive, not actively causing symptoms, which is different from a disease that remains active and ongoing over time.

Diseases that persist over time are described as chronic conditions. Chronic means long-lasting, often lifelong, and can stay relatively stable or progress slowly instead of resolving quickly.

Acute describes something with a sudden onset and short duration, so it doesn’t fit a disease that lasts for a long period. Contagious refers to the ability to spread to others, which isn’t about how long a disease lasts. Latent refers to a state where a pathogen is present but dormant or inactive, not actively causing symptoms, which is different from a disease that remains active and ongoing over time.