In the context of infection, who is the host and what is the infectious agent when Violet gets the flu?

In the scenario where Violet gets the flu, Violet is considered the host because she is the individual who has become infected with the illness. The infectious agent is the flu virus, as it is the specific pathogen that causes the illness.

A host is any organism that provides a suitable environment for the infectious agent to live and multiply. In this case, since Violet is the one who is experiencing the symptoms and has contracted the flu, she fulfills the role of the host. Understanding the distinction is critical in nursing practice, as it helps in managing and preventing the spread of infections by recognizing who is affected and what is causing the illness.