Communicable Disease Preventing the Spread of Disease Disease

Communicable Disease

Preventing the Spread of Disease �Disease is an illness that affects the proper functioning of the mind or body. �A communicable disease is one that can be passed from one person to another. �A non communicable disease is one that can’t be passed.

Causes of Communicable Diseases �Pathogens are tiny organisms that cause disease. �An infection is a condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and damage cells. �Bacteria are tiny one celled organisms that live nearly everywhere.

Bacterial Diseases �Strep �Tooth decay �Boils �Pneumonia �Impetigo �Many bacterial diseases can be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections can’t. They are now treated with prescribed medication.

Viral Disease �A virus is the smallest disease-causing organism. �Examples: �Cold �Flu �Hepatitis �Measles �Mumps �Chicken pox

Other types of Pathogens �Fungi are primitive life-forms that feed of organic materials. Example- Ringworm �Protozoa are single-celled organisms that are usually harmless but that can cause certain diseases. Example-Malaria �Rickettsias- disease causing organisms that resemble bacteria but multiply like viruses. Example- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

How are Pathogens Spread? �Direct contact-body fluids, kissing �Indirect contact-sharing drinking glasses �Contact with a Vector (an insect) �Other contacts- food, water, undercooked meat.

Preventing the spread of disease �Good personal hygiene �If sick determine the contagious period.

The Body’s Defenses Against Infection �First line of Defense-stop the entry. Eyes, skin, stomach, mucous membranes and saliva. �The immune system is a combination of body defenses made up of cells, tissues, and organs that fight off pathogens and disease. �Immunity is your bodies ability to fight off disease.

The Lymphatic System �A secondary circulatory system that helps the body fight pathogens and maintains a fluid balance. �White blood cells are called lymphocytes. �B cells produced in the bone marrow, they help develop immunity to pathogens. �T cells are produced in the thymus gland, they attack invading pathogens. �Immunity is present at birth. �Vaccinations-figure 17. 3, pg. 453

The Lymphatic System

Review 1. What are 4 risk factors associated with communicable disease? 2. How can you protect yourself from disease? 3. How does the immune system fight disease? 4. Read pages 454 -457.