What is a key factor determining whether someone is a Susceptible Host?

A key factor in determining whether someone is a Susceptible Host is their age and health characteristics. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as chronic illnesses, compromised immune systems, or those undergoing treatments that suppress immunity, are more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, age significantly impacts susceptibility; for example, older adults often have weaker immune responses due to aging, making them more likely to contract infections.

While socioeconomic status and knowledge of infection control can influence an individual's overall health and access to care, they do not directly determine susceptibility in the same way that health characteristics and age do. Genetic predisposition can contribute to certain health issues, but it is not a standalone factor in assessing susceptibility. Therefore, age and overall health traits are critical in understanding the concept of a Susceptible Host in infection control contexts.