Tag: Natural history

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in ten adults in the United States have at least one chronic disease. While chronic diseases are defined as conditions lasting a year or more, what is the timeline of a chronic disease for an individual can vary dramatically. This journey is a dynamic and multi-stage process influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, understanding the stages of disease is fundamental to prevention and control. Knowing what are the steps in the development of a disease called allows medical professionals and researchers to categorize and respond to outbreaks and chronic conditions more effectively.