INTRO TO COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Target: I will be able to list strategies for preventing communicable diseases Pg. 63 Communicable Diseases: An illness that can be spread from one living thing to another Pathogen: A germ that causes diseases Our immune systems are usually adept to protecting us, but pathogens can cause serious health problems in people with weakened immune systems. Types of Pathogens: Bacteria, Fungi, Virus, Protozans, Parasitic Worms

Bacteria: Single-celled microorganisms, characterized by their shape, that can cause diseases by releasing toxins (poisonous substances) Examples: Staph, Strep throat, TB, meningitis, tetanus, syphilis, gonorrhea Can treated with antibiotics, however, they are becoming less effective and growing resistant to them (“Super Bugs”)

Virus: The smallest known pathogens that cause diseases in humans When a virus enters a cell, it takes over the cell and causes it to make more viruses Example: Common Cold, Influenza, Hepatitis How Viruses Infect Cells

The Process of Infection: Most diseases are multifactorial- they are caused by the interaction of several factors inside and outside the person. For a disease to occur, the person (host) must be susceptible- the immune system must be weakened. An agent capable of transmitting the disease must be present The environment must be hospitable to the pathogen (temperature, light, moisture, etc.)

Routes of Transmission Aspects of Transmission Contact Autoinoculation Foodborne or Waterborne Direct (skin or sexual contact) or Indirect (touching an infected object, or contact with infected blood/bodily fluid) Transmitting a pathogen from one part of your body to another Ex: Touching a herpes sore on your lip and then touching your eyes Eating or coming in contact with contaminated food/water, or products passed through them

Airborne Vectorborne Interspecies Perinatal Inhalation; infectious droplets-spread through sneezing, coughing, or talking Transmission between humans and animals Vector-transmitted via secretions, bites, egg laying- ex: mosquitos, ticks, snails, or birds Similar to contact infection- happens in the uterus, as the baby passes through the birth canal, or through breast-feeding

Controllable Risk Factors: Too much stress, Inadequate nutrition and fitness level, Lack of sleep, Misuse or abuse of drugs, Poor personal hygiene (ex: hand washing!) Hard to Control Risk Factors Heredity: Some believe we inherit the quality of our immune systems Age: The very young and very old are more vulnerable to disease Environmental Conditions: Climate change is a major contributor to infectious diseases

Preventing the Spread of Disease: 1. Wash your hands! after… Shaking hands, kissing, touching sores/ulcers, handling bodily fluids (blood/urine), before eating, and before/after sex 2. Don’t share personal items (combs, toothbrushes, razors, or eating utensils)

3. Don’t share needles to inject drugs or when getting a tattoo/piercing

4. Take medications as prescribed- don’t take something that doesn’t belong to you and don’t stop taking an antibiotic even if you feel better before the dose it done 5. Vaccinations: Inoculation with killed or weakened pathogens in order to prevent or lesson the effects of some diseases Summary

FIGHTING OFF GERMS Draw pictures to represent each of the things that you can do to control the spread of communicable diseases. *Use a minimum of 4 colors Pg. 62