What is communicable? A disease that is spread from one living organism to another or through the environment.

Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and rickettsias (ri-ket-see-uh) What is an infection? A condition that occurs when pathogens in the body multiply and damage body cells. Common pathogens are: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and rickettsias (ri-ket-see-uh)

Viruses A virus is a piece of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. In order to reproduce, a virus must invade the cells of living organisms.

Bacteria Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that live almost everywhere on earth. Some are harmless, some are helpful, some cause disease. Disease-causing bacteria can produce toxins, substances that kill cells or interfere with their functions.

Bacteria Many bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. However, due to the overuse of antibiotics, some strains of bacteria have become resistant.

How disease is spread? Pathogens infect living things in many ways. Direct contact: puncture wound, childbirth, contact with infected animals/people Indirect contact: contaminated objects, vectors, food/water Airborne transmission

Precautions Wash hands: before you eat, after using the bathroom, after handling pets, before and after inserting contact lenses or putting on makeup, after touching an object handled by an infected person.

Precautions Protect yourself from vectors: -Limit time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. -Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to avoid insect bites. -Use insect repellent, and avoid contact with dead birds.

Precautions Other strategies: -Don’t share personal items -Handle food properly -Eat well and exercise (this will keep you strong and help you fight infection) -Avoid tobacco, alcohol, other drugs -Abstain from sexual contact -Cover your mouth when you cough & sneeze and wash hands after

Common Communicable Diseases Respiratory Infections Hepatitis Others (mono, measles, encephalitis, meningitis, chicken pox)

Many diseases begin as respiratory infections The respiratory tract is the passageway that makes breathing possible. It includes the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It connects the outside world to the inside of your body.

Colds, influenza, pneumonia, strep throat, and Colds, influenza, pneumonia, strep throat, and *tuberculosis are the most common respiratory infections. 1/3 of the world’s population is infected with TB, with new infections occurring at a rate of 1 person per second.

To avoid respiratory infection: Avoid close contact with sick people. If you’re ill, stay at home. Wash your hands often Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. Eat right, exercise and get rest to strengthen immune system Abstain from smoking

The Common Cold A viral infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membrane, the lining of various body cavities, including the nose, ears, and mouth. Transmission through direct contact with infected person, indirect contact through contaminated objects, or airborne transmission. No cure

Influenza Aka “the flu”, is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and coughing. A vaccine will help prevent the most common types of flu for that year. Transmission is the same as for colds.

Pneumonia In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquids. Can be viral or bacterial. Can be fatal, especially for older adults with the flu or lung/heart problems.

Strep throat A bacterial infection (treated with antibiotics) Spread by direct contact or airborne transmission Symptoms include sore throat, fever, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. If left untreated, can lead to serious conditions including heart damage.

Tuberculosis Aka TB is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs. It spreads though the air and usually affects people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fatigue, coughing, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.

Hepatitis A viral infection which causes inflammation of the liver. There are at least 5 different kinds and the most common are Hepatitis A, B and C. There are vaccines for hepatitis A & B but since it is a virus, there is no cure.

Other Communicable Diseases Mononucleosis (virus, spread by direct contact and sharing utensils) Measles (viral, spread by coughs, sneezes or airborne) Encephalitis (viral, carried by mosquitos) Chicken Pox (viral, spread through air or contact with fluid from blisters)

Meningitis Viral or bacterial Spread by direct or indirect contact Fever, severe headache, nausea, vomitting, sensitivity to light, stiff neck