Communicable Diseases and You

What is a Disease? A disease is a condition or illness that affects the proper and usual functioning of the body or mind of an individual.

Non-Communicable Disease A Non-communicable disease I NOT spread by contact with others and may be caused by living conditions, genetics, or environmental hazards.

What is a Communicable Disease? A communicable disease is one that can be passed from one individual to another. A communicable disease is caused by an organism so small it can only be seen by using a microscope.

GERMS Disease causing organisms are usually called GERMS. When germs enter the body, they grow, reproduce and frequently produce waste products that are poisons in the human body. The result is an infection.

Types of GERMS Bacteria Viruses Rickettsia Fungi Protozoa

BACTERIA Any tiny single cell organisms that grow and thrive almost everywhere. There are 3 types of bacteria: Bacteria Cocci Bacilli Spirilla

VIRUSES Are the smallest and simplest forms of life. Many viruses are harmful to humans. VIRUSES

RICKETTSIA Are small bacteria that are spread by the bites of insects such as mites and ticks.

FUNGI Are simple life forms that are unable to make their own food.

PROTOZOA Simple, animal-like organisms.

BACTERIA Live everywhere: on you, in you, and around you. Most bacteria do not harm you. Some bacteria are very helpful. Bacteria become harmful when they go places they do not belong. E coli

BACTERIA need… Food Supply Warmth Moisture Your body provides all three of these needs and a perfect home for bacteria!

BCATERIA COCCI Can cause diseases such as abscesses, gonorrhea (clap), bacterial pneumonia, strep throat and scarlet fever.

BACTERIA BACILLI Causes botulism (food poisoning), diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis, whooping cough, and leprosy.

VIRUSES Are very specialized Some attack only certain body cells. Rabies virus attacks only the nervous system. Viruses cause AIDS, chicken pox, measles, colds, flu, mumps, polio, viral pneumonia, and mononucleosis…

RICKETTSIA Are found in lice, mites, and ticks. They enter the body through the bite of an insect that is infected. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme Disease are caused by rickettsia. Lyme Disease

FUNGI Attack the body and often live in the hair, nails and skin Athlete’s Foot and ringworm are two diseases caused by fungi. Athlete’s foot affects the feet, while ringworm appears on other parts of the body. Ringworm

PROTOZOA Many are harmless but some can cause disease. Malaria is caused by protozoa that live in certain kinds of mosquitoes. If an infected mosquito bites a person, the person will become infected.

GOOD GERMS Many bacteria are not only harmless, but essential for life. Without bacteria in your intestines you could not digest your food. (Probiotics) Even harmless bacteria can cause trouble if they end up where they don’t belong.

HOW DO GERMS SPREAD? Close contact Direct contact Contact with animals Other contact How do germs spread...

CLOSE CONTACT Breathing germs from someone’s cough or sneeze. Germs travel in droplets which you inhale. Colds, flu, measles and tuberculosis can be spread this way.

DIRECT CONTACT You can pick up germs by contact with hands and skin. You can also pick up germs through sexual contact. This is how people get diseases such as AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes.

PREVENTION Practice good health habits: Eat a balanced diet Get plenty of rest Exercise regularly Bathe or shower daily Avoid substances and behaviors that can harm your health.

PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH BEHAVIORS Store foods quickly and properly. Do NOT share drinking glasses or eating utensils with ANYONE! Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear. Avoid sexual contact. Keep your shots up to date.

TO PROTECT OTHERS: If you are sick with a contagious disease, stay away from others! Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Seek medical treatment to speed up recovery. WASH your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Ewwwww!

TO PROTECT OTHERS (CONT’D) If a doctor prescribes a medication, follow the directions and take it exactly as instructed. Encourage your family and friends to practice good health habits along with you.

THE COMMON COLD There are 200+ viruses that cause the “common cold”. Cold symptoms include slight fever, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, coughing sore throat and headache.

TO PREVENT A COLD: Get plenty of rest *9-10 hours+ Drink plenty of fluids (juice, water, etc.) and eat healthy nutrient-dense foods. Exercise regularly. DO NOT share cups and utensils. WASH YOUR HANDS. DO NOT smoke.

NORMAL IMMUNE RESPONSE In a healthy person, T-cells identify the virus. B-cells produce antibodies that may neutralize the virus. T-cells destroy virus cells that have not been neutralized, and stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies. T-cells

IMMUNE SYSTEM IN A PERSON WITH HIV OR OTHER IMMUNE DISORDER In a person with HIV, the virus seeks out and destroys T-cells. With fewer t-cells, the B-cells stop producing antibodies. With a weakened immune system, the body is open to other infections. destroy T-Cells

IMMUNIZATIONS AND YOU What diseases have you been immunized against? What other immunizations are available to people your age? What immunizations are being researched now? What else should be done to prevent disease?