Communicable Diseases

Disease: any condition that interferes with the normal functioning of the body or mind. Communicable disease: a disease that can be spread form person to person.

Our environment is filled with them! Germs Germs are organisms that are so small they can only be seen through a microscope. Our environment is filled with them! Pathogens: germs that cause diseases Infection: happens when a pathogen enters the body, multiplies and causes harm.

Types of Pathogens 1- Viruses 2- Bacteria 3- Fungi 4- Protozoan

What kind of Viruses can you think of? Smallest and simplest pathogens. Made up of genetic material and proteins. Cannot be killed by antibiotics. Immune system must fight it off! What kind of Viruses can you think of? Vaccines: dead or weakened pathogens that are introduced into the body so it can cause an immune response.

Bacteria Simple one-celled organisms. Bacteria exists in every environment. Most are not harmful…in fact they help us. What type of diseases can we get from bacteria? How do antibiotics work? Can I be using too much hand sanitizer?

Fungi Complex organism that CANNOT make its own food. Must find a “host” to live off of. Molds, yeasts & mushrooms are a few examples. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Types of disease they can cause: athlete’s foot, ringworm…

Protozoan Protozoan are a single-celled organism that generally do not harm us. But, some can cause very harmful diseases such as Malaria. This is transferred to us through a mosquito bite.

How do Pathogens Spread? 1- Direct contact 2- Indirect contact 3- Contact with someone else’s blood 4- Sexual contact 5- Contact with contaminated food and water 6- Through animals or insects

You have your very own disease bodyguard! Your WBC’s will be sent into action if they recognize the part of the pathogen called the Antigen. Antigens: are substances that send the immune system into action. Antibodies: the WBC’s will make antibodies that attach themselves to the antigens, keeping them from harming the body. You have your very own disease bodyguard!

Building Immunity to Diseases Immunity is the ability to resist pathogens that cause a particular disease. How can you build your immunities? Contagious period: the length of time that a disease can be spread.

Preventing the Spread Don’t share food or drinks Avoid close contact with sick people Wash hands Keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes Handle and prepare food safely Clean counters, sinks, and toilets often Keep your pets clean

Group Work 1-What is it? 2- Symptoms 3-How is it treated? Pick a disease: Colds Flu Chicken pox Mononucleosis Hepatitis A Pneumonia Tuberculosis Strep Throat Malaria Ringworm Mad cow’s disease Rocky Mountain spotted fever Leprosy 1-What is it? 2- Symptoms 3-How is it treated? 4-How to prevent it 5-Are there any vaccines for it? 6-Other problems related to it? 7- How it affects the body. 8- How you can help your immune system get rid of it. 1 pg paper double spaced, front and back. Reference sources