Communicable Infectious Disease Pathogens Any agent that causes
Communicable (Infectious) Disease
Pathogens • Any agent that causes disease – Viruses – Fungi – Protozoans – Bacteria – Parasites
Bacteria • • Tiny, single-celled organisms Found everywhere Some cause disease Treated with antibiotics – Examples: tuberculosis, tetanus, and sinus infections Staph Infection
Viruses • Tiny disease-causing particles made up of genetic material and a protein coat • Some can be prevented with vaccines • Cannot be cured – Examples: common cold, flu, AIDS Chicken Pox
Fungi • Organisms that absorb and use the nutrients of living or dead organisms. – Examples: athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch Athlete’s Foot
Protozoans • Similar to bacteria but larger – Example: malaria
Parasites • “Bugs” that get their energy and nutrients by feeding on other living things – Examples: head lice, tapeworms Head Lice
TRANSMISSION
How are diseases spread? • Direct Contact – Person to person • Indirect Contact – Touching surfaces – Airborne • Food/Water • Animals
PREVENTION
Physical Barriers • Skin (first line of defense) • Mucous Membranes • Chemicals
Immune System • Antibodies bind to pathogens and white blood cells kill the pathogens
Get vaccinated • Vaccines – made from a weak or dead virus • Injected into the body to help body build immunity
What else can you do? • • • Protect yourself Eat a healthy and balanced diet Drink plenty of water Reduce your stress level Exercise regularly Get regular medical check ups Try to avoid contact with sick people Get enough sleep Wash your hands regularly
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms • The changes that you notice in your body or mind that are caused by a disease or disorder – Examples: fever, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle ache, headache
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