How can we prevent the spread of infectious disease? Immunity: body’s ability to destroy pathogen’s before they can cause disease.

2 Types of Immunity Active Immunity Passive Immunity

Active Immunity A person acquires active immunity when their own immune system produces antibodies in response to the presence of a pathogen. Results from either getting the disease or being vaccinated.

Passive Immunity A person acquires passive immunity when the antibodies that fight the pathogen come from a source other than the person’s body. Usually lasts no more than a few months. Ex) antibodies are passed from a mother’s blood into the babies blood during pregnancy.

When You Do Get Sick Bacterial Diseases: many can be treated with antibiotics: a chemical that can kill bacteria w/out harming a person’s cells. Ex) Lyme Disease, Food Poisoning, Tetanus, Strep Throat Viral Diseases: currently NO medications that can cure viral infections. Over-the-Counter medications can help relieve the symptoms but the best treatment is bed rest and lots of fluids. Ex) Flu, Chickenpox, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS