Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease (infectious disease) is carried by microorganisms.microscopic

Transmitted through people, animals, surfaces, foods or air.

Rely on fluid exchange, contaminated substances or close contact to travel from an infected carrier to a healthy individual.

The disease might need a blood exchange via an injection, float along a sneeze in a crowded place or get transmitted during childbirth.

Pathogens (germs)- diseasing causing microorganisms

Parasites Fungi Bacteria

can be cured usually by an antibiotic Viruses

can not be cured- vaccinations (immunization) *Vaccinations/avoiding risky behaviors help in

the prevention and spreading. Vaccine: A dead or weakened pathogen is

injected into the body. The body then produces antibodies which help fight that disease. (vaccination/immunization)

*Cancer is not a communicable disease

Human-to-Human communicable diseases could be passed through:

-blood -mucus -uterine fluids -breast milk -semen -saliva -breath Prevention:

safe sex frequent hand washing proper disposal of waste

Animal-to-Human communicable diseases include:

-Dog/Squirrel Bite- Rabies -Mosquitoes- Malaria -Ticks/Fleas- Lyme’s Disease *Other types can be spread from contaminated

surfaces, substances, improperly cooked meat (Salmonella), impure water.

Carrier- an infected person who shows no symptoms of a disease but can spread it to others.

Common Cold Effects some people, especially kids-

average 8 colds per year Most common communicable disease Caused by a virus (invisible droplets) which

are in the air we breathe or the things we touch

Symptoms tickle in the throatRunny/stuffy nosesneezing

Most colds are contagious up to 3 weeks Time Cures All Over the counter

decongestants/antihistamines may ease symptoms

Infectious Mononucleosis A viral disease that affects certain blood

cells The virus is spread by person-to-person

contact via saliva (on hands/toys or kissing) Symptoms include fever/sore

throat/swollen glands/feeling tired Time span can be up to several weeks Symptoms appear 4 to 6 weeks after

exposure Treatment- rest in most cases

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Inflammation of the clear membrane that covers

the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids Caused by many

Bacteria/Viruses/Allergies/Substances which irritate the eye (Chlorine/Soaps)

Pinkeye caused by Bacteria/Viruses are very contagious

You cannot cure the pinkeye caused by a virus antihistamine to reduce inflammation along with a cool

compress three to four times daily The Pinkeye caused by a bacteria can be treated

with prescribed antibiotic eye drops

Strep Throat Very common amongst teens Symptoms include fever/stomach pain/red and

swollen tonsils bacteria is usually centered in the nose/throat

which makes it easy to spread Diagnosis is a cotton swab that takes a sample

of the fluids at the back of the throat Treatment is a prescription medication that must

be taken for at least 10 days after 24 hours the fever will break and you will

not be contagious

Pediculosis (Head Lice/Body Lice/Pubic Lice) infestation of the hairy parts of the body or

clothing with eggs or the living nits Live on human blood- severe itching results Head Lice- Scalp Pubic Lice- Pubic Area Body Lice- Clothing Transmission is direct contact with an infested

individual Sharing of combs/brushes It may take a person 2-3 weeks to notice the

severe itching associated with lice Medicated shampoos/some

over-the-counter/some prescribed

H1N1 New flu virus first detected in US in April

2009 Spreads person-to-person

cough/sneeze touch surface then touch eyes, nose, or mouth

Originally called “Swine Flu” because many of its genes were similar to influenza viruses that occur in pigs in North America

New virus is very different from what normally circulates in pigs

Prevention Cover your mouth/nose when you

cough/sneeze Wash hands with soap and water

frequently, especially after a sneeze/cough Avoid contact with sick people Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth Use disinfectants on frequently touched

surfaces have flu-like symptoms? STAY HOME!

Immune Response how your body recognizes and defends

itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful to the body

Immune System protects the body from potentially harmful

substances by recognizing and responding to antigensAntigens- molecules on the surface of cells,

viruses, fungi, or bacteria.The immune system recognizes and destroys

substances that contain these antigens

Innate Immunity Defense system you are born with that protects

against antigens Barriers that keep harmful substances from

entering the body (1st line of defense) Cough Enzymes in tears and skin oils Mucus, traps bacteria and small particles Skin Stomach acid Fever

If an antigen gets past these barriers it is attacked and destroyed by other parts of the immune system.

Acquired Immunity Immunity that develops with exposure to various

antigens Your immune system builds a defense that is

specific to that antigen Passive Immunity Antibodies that are produced in a body other

than your own Provides immediate protection, but not long-

lasting protection against an antigen Hepatitis Tetanus

Blood Components White Blood Cells (B and T cells)

B cells produce antibodies that attach to the antigen

T cells attack the antigen directly Cells can provide a “memory” for immune

system to respond faster and more efficient next time you are exposed to same antigen and in many cases prevent you from getting sick (chicken pox).

Inflammation Occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria,

trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause. Damaged tissue releases chemicals causing

blood vessels to leak fluid into tissues, causing swelling.

Helps isolate foreign substance from further contact with body tissues

Allergies An immune response to a substance that, in the

majority of people, the body perceives as harmless