Download Infectious Diseases

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Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms,
such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. These diseases can be
spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another.
Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases in animals that can cause
disease when transmitted to humans via bites or stings from
insects.
Most Common Infectious Diseases
http://science.discovery.com/top-ten/2009/infectious-diseases/infectiousdiseases.html
Signs and Symptoms
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Each infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms.
General signs and symptoms commonly associated are:
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Fever
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Difficulty breathing
Unusual rash or swelling
Severe headaches
Bacteria
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Bacteria are living things that are neither plants nor animals, but
belong to a group all by themselves.
No more than one single cell--however there are normally millions of
them together, for they can multiply really fast.
Bacteria exist in and out of the body, most are harmless and some
even do good for our bodies.
Some cause disease, either because they end up in the wrong place or
because they are “designed” to invade us.
Responsible for disease such as strep throat, UTIs, and Tuberculosis
Viruses
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Smallest of all pathogens, too small to be seen by the naked eye
Unable to multiply on their own, they must invade a host cell and
take it over in order to make more virus particles.
The cells of mucous membranes, such as those lining our
respiratory passages that we breathe through, are open to virus
attacks because they are not covered by protective skin.
Can cause a multitude of disease, from the common cold to AIDS
Fungi
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Fungi are actually primitive vegetables (mushrooms, mold, and
mildew are examples)
Can live in air, in soil, on plants, and in water
About half of all types are harmful
Some reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale
them or they land on your skin. Most fungal
infections start in the lungs or skin
You are more likely to get a fungal infection
if you have a weakened immune system or
take antibiotics.
Common fungal infections include Athlete’s
Foot and a Yeast Infection.
Athlete’s Foot Fungus
Yeast Infection
Spreading Infectious Diseases
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Physical contact with infected person
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Contact with contaminated object
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Skin to skin, kissing, sneeze/cough
Most infections die quickly when exposed to air. Some can survive on objects.
Environmental sources
Old food left unrefrigerated
o Fungus/mold in water
o Contaminated soil
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Contact with contaminated animals
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Bites/insect stings
Stages of Disease
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Exposure
Incubation Period
Prodromal Period
Acute Stage
Recovery Stage
Convalescence
Immunity
Exposure
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Your first time being exposed to the disease. The disease enters
your body.
Incubation Period
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The period of time where the disease is in your body, but you
show no signs or symptoms. The disease (bacteria, virus, parasite)
is multiplying.
Prodromal Stage
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During this period, you begin to show signs and symptoms. You
feel achy, sore and fatigue. At this point you are contagious.
Acute Stage
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Symptoms become most severe. You are most contagious during
this period.
Recovery Stage
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Signs and symptoms begin to decrease. You begin to feel better,
but you are still contagious to others.
Covalescence Stage
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Infection is out of your system. However, you are not quite
feeling 100% yet. You are subject to relapse. In order to keep from
relapsing, you need plenty of rest, fluids, healthy diet and
antibiotics.
Immunity Stage
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You are back to feeling normal. Your body has developed
antibodies to the disease you had. This will prevent you from
contracting the same disease in the future.
Ways to Prevent Infections
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Thoroughly washing your hands WITH SOAP!!!
Avoid rubbing eyes or nose after shaking hands with a person
with a cold
Food should be cooked or cooled as quickly as possible
Vegetables and meat should be stored separately and prepared on
separate chopping boards.
The use of condoms during sexual intercourse reduces the
likelihood of spreading sexually transmitted diseases.