Understanding Communicable Diseases Causes of Communicable Diseases Germs

Understanding Communicable Diseases

Causes of Communicable Diseases

Germs and Diseases Germ and Diseases Communicable Diseases – Disease that can be passed from one person to another - communicable disease caused by microorgansims that can only be seen through an microscope Non Communicable Diseases – Like asthma that cannot be passed from one person to another

Types of Germs • Viruses – The smallest and simplest life form. They cause a wide range of diseases. • Most diseases caused by virus or bacteria • Colds, chicken pox, AIDS, viral pneumonia, flu, measles, smallpox, mumps, herpes, rabies, polio, mononucleosis

Types of Germs • Bacteria – Tiny one celled oraganisms that live nearly everywhere • Most harmless, but some cause disease • Virus and bacteria most common cause of disease • Strep throat, tuberculosis, pinkeye, food poisoning, typhoid fever, gonorrhea, diptheria, lyme disease, bacterial pnuemonia

Types of Germs • Fungi – Primitive life forms that cannot make their own food • Athletes foot • Ring worm

Types of Germs • Protozoa – One celled, animal-like organisms • Many are harmless • Cause diseases as malaria and amebic dystentery

How Germs are spread • Direct contact – you get germs on your hands and skin through direct contact with another person • Sometimes by sexual contact

How Germs are spread • Indirect contact – someone coughs or sneezes, expelling germs into the air • Other people breath these germs • Colds, flu, tuberculosis spread this way • Drinking glasses, eating utensils, other personal items

How Germs are spread • Contact with animals or insects – • Rabid animals spreads rabies • Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites

How Germs are spread • Other Contacts – Contaminated food or water • This type of food poison is called Salmonella