Communicable DiseasesChapter 13

Disease

Any condition that interferes with the normal or proper functioning of the body or mind

Communicable Disease

A disease that can be spread to a person from another person, an animal, or an object

Germs

Organisms that are so small they can only be seen through a microscope

Communicable diseases are caused by germs!!!

Pathogens

Germs that cause diseases

Infection

A condition that happens when pathogens enter the body, multiply, and cause harm

**When the body cannot fight off an infection that is when a disease develops

4 BASIC KINDS OF PATHOGENS

1. VIRUS

Smallest pathogenNot aliveExamples: Mono, Flu, Herpes, Measles, Chicken Pox

2. BACTERIA

Simple one-celled organisms

Most kinds are good and fight off infections

Harmful bacteria cause diseases such as strep throat and pneumonia

3. FUNGI

Organisms that are more complex than bacteria but cannot make their own food

Thrive in warm, moist environments

Examples: Athlete’s foot and ringworm

4. PROTOZOA

One-celled organisms Some can cause serious disease

Malaria is caused by protozoa and is transferred to people through mosquito bites

6 WAYS PATHOGENS ARE SPREAD

1. Direct contact with others

*Wash your hands often with soap

2. Indirect contact with others

*Never share eating utensils, cups, or personal items such as toothbrushes or razors

3. Contact with someone else’s blood

Spreads HIV or other infections

4. Sexual contact

Spreads STI’s such as chlamydia, genital warts, & syphilis

5. Contact with contaminated food or water

Cook foods thoroughly, store dairy properly

6. Contact with animals or insects

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus, other animals spread rabies

5 Barriers that Block PathogensTears, Saliva, Skin, Mucous Membranes, and Stomach Acid

Your body can block, trap, or break down most pathogens before they make you sick

Immune System

A combination of body defenses that fight pathogens in the body

Goes to work if pathogens get past the barriers

Immunity

The ability to resist the pathogens that cause a particular disease

Example: mothers pass immunity to their babies during pregnancy and during breast feeding

VaccinesA preparation of dead or weakened pathogens that is introduced into the body to cause an immune response

Because they are dead they cannot make you sick but your body builds barriers to stop the live pathogens

Common Communicable DiseasesCold – no vaccine because there are too many different viruses

The Flu – affect you more quickly than cold symptoms

Flu season is December-March

The Contagious PeriodThe length of time that a particular disease can spread from person to person

Often includes a length of time before the infected person shows signs of being sick

Chicken Pox – 1 week before signs of symptoms

Communicable Diseases

Mono - “the kissing disease” spread by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected person

Hepatitis – A,B, and C

Hep A – from contaminated water or food

Hep B & C – contaminated blood

Pneumonia – serious inflammation of the lungs

Spread through direct or indirect contact with infected person

Strep Throat – caused by bacteria

Spread through people coughing or breathing infected air

Must be treated

KEEPING PATHOGENS FROM SPREADINGHygiene – cleanlinessEating foods that are good for you, getting exercise, sleeping well and keeping environment clean

How to Protect Yourself from Getting SickAvoid close contact with people who have a communicable disease

Never share eating utensils, cups, or glasses

Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating or preparing food

Keep your fingers and hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes

Don’t bite your nailsEmpty the trash oftenHandle and prepare food safely

Keep pets clean and healthy

Ways to Protect Others

Tell a parent if you feel sickIf you are ill, stay home from school and other public places

Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough

Use a tissue only once and throw it away

Take medicine a doctor has given you and take it until it is gone

LIVE A HEALTHFUL LIFESTYLEEAT A BALANCED DIETBATHE OR SHOWER REGULARLY WITH SOAP

REST WHEN YOU ARE SICKGET 8-9 HOURS OF SLEEPAVOID TOBACCO, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL