Understanding Communicable Diseases

Causes of Communicable Diseases

Germs and Diseases Germ and Diseases Communicable Diseases – Disease that can be passed from one person to another - communicable disease caused by microorgansims that can only be seen through an microscope Non Communicable Diseases – Like asthma that cannot be passed from one person to another

Types of Germs Viruses – The smallest and simplest life form. They cause a wide range of diseases. Most diseases caused by virus or bacteria Colds, chicken pox, AIDS, viral pneumonia, flu, measles, smallpox, mumps, herpes, rabies, polio, mononucleosis

Types of Germs Bacteria – Tiny one celled oraganisms that live nearly everywhere Most harmless, but some cause disease Virus and bacteria most common cause of disease Strep throat, tuberculosis, pinkeye, food poisoning, typhoid fever, gonorrhea, diptheria, lyme disease, bacterial pnuemonia

Types of Germs Fungi – Primitive life forms that cannot make their own food Athletes foot Ring worm

Types of Germs Protozoa – One celled, animal-like organisms Many are harmless Cause diseases as malaria and amebic dystentery

How Germs are spread Direct contact – you get germs on your hands and skin through direct contact with another person Sometimes by sexual contact

How Germs are spread Indirect contact – someone coughs or sneezes, expelling germs into the air Other people breath these germs Colds, flu, tuberculosis spread this way Drinking glasses, eating utensils, other personal items

How Germs are spread Contact with animals or insects – Rabid animals spreads rabies Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites

How Germs are spread Other Contacts – Contaminated food or water This type of food poison is called Salmonella