Download Communicable Diseases

Communicable
Diseases
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A communicable disease (infectious
disease) is carried by microorganisms.
 microscopic
Transmitted through people, animals,
surfaces, foods or air.
 Rely on fluid exchange, contaminated
substances or close contact to travel from
an infected carrier to a healthy individual.
 The disease might need a blood exchange
via an injection, float along a sneeze in a
crowded place or get transmitted during
childbirth.
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Pathogens (germs)- diseasing causing
microorganisms
Parasites
Fungi
Bacteria
 can
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Viruses
 can
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be cured usually by an antibiotic
not be cured- vaccinations (immunization)
*Vaccinations/avoiding risky behaviors help in
the prevention and spreading.
Vaccine: A dead or weakened pathogen is
injected into the body. The body then produces
antibodies which help fight that disease.
(vaccination/immunization)
*Cancer is not a communicable disease
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Human-to-Human communicable diseases
could be passed through:
-blood
-mucus
-uterine fluids
-breast milk
-semen
-saliva
-breath
Prevention:
 safe sex
 frequent hand
washing
 proper disposal of waste
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Animal-to-Human communicable diseases
include:
-Dog/Squirrel Bite- Rabies
-Mosquitoes- Malaria
-Ticks/Fleas- Lyme’s Disease
*Other types can be spread from contaminated
surfaces, substances, improperly cooked meat
(Salmonella), impure water.
Carrier- an infected person who shows no
symptoms of a disease but can spread it to
others.
Common Cold
 Effects some people, especially kidsaverage 8 colds per year
 Most common communicable disease
 Caused by a virus (invisible droplets)
which are in the air we breathe or the
things we touch
 Symptoms
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 tickle
in the throat
 Runny/stuffy nose
 sneezing
Most colds are contagious up to 3 weeks
 Time Cures All
 Over the counter
decongestants/antihistamines may ease
symptoms
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Infectious Mononucleosis
 A viral disease that affects certain blood
cells
 The virus is spread by person-to-person
contact via saliva (on hands/toys or
kissing)
 Symptoms include fever/sore
throat/swollen glands/feeling tired
 Time span can be up to several weeks
 Symptoms appear 4 to 6 weeks after
exposure
 Treatment- rest in most cases
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Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Inflammation of the clear membrane that covers
the white part of the eye and inside of the
eyelids
Caused by many
Bacteria/Viruses/Allergies/Substances which
irritate the eye (Chlorine/Soaps)
Pinkeye caused by Bacteria/Viruses are very
contagious
You cannot cure the pinkeye caused by a virus
 antihistamine
to reduce inflammation along with a
cool compress three to four times daily
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The Pinkeye caused by a bacteria can be
treated with prescribed antibiotic eye drops
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Strep Throat
Very common amongst teens
Symptoms include fever/stomach pain/red and
swollen tonsils
bacteria is usually centered in the nose/throat
which makes it easy to spread
Diagnosis is a cotton swab that takes a sample
of the fluids at the back of the throat
Treatment is a prescription medication that must
be taken for at least 10 days
after 24 hours the fever will break and you will
not be contagious
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Pediculosis (Head Lice/Body Lice/Pubic Lice)
infestation of the hairy parts of the body or
clothing with eggs or the living nits
Live on human blood- severe itching results
Head Lice- Scalp
Pubic Lice- Pubic Area
Body Lice- Clothing
Transmission is direct contact with an infested
individual
Sharing of combs/brushes
It may take a person 2-3 weeks to notice the
severe itching associated with lice
Medicated shampoos/some over-thecounter/some prescribed
H1N1
 New flu virus first detected in US in April
2009
 Spreads person-to-person
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 cough/sneeze
 touch
surface then touch eyes, nose, or
mouth
Originally called “Swine Flu” because
many of its genes were similar to influenza
viruses that occur in pigs in North America
 New virus is very different from what
normally circulates in pigs
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Prevention
 Cover your mouth/nose when you
cough/sneeze
 Wash hands with soap and water
frequently, especially after a sneeze/cough
 Avoid contact with sick people
 Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
 Use disinfectants on frequently touched
surfaces
 have flu-like symptoms? STAY HOME!
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Immune Response
 how your body recognizes and defends
itself against bacteria, viruses, and
substances that appear foreign and
harmful to the body
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Immune System
 protects the body from potentially harmful
substances by recognizing and responding
to antigens
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 Antigens-
molecules on the surface of cells,
viruses, fungi, or bacteria.
 The immune system recognizes and destroys
substances that contain these antigens
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Innate Immunity
Defense system you are born with that protects
against antigens
Barriers that keep harmful substances from
entering the body (1st line of defense)
 Cough
 Enzymes in tears and skin oils
 Mucus, traps bacteria and small
 Skin
 Stomach
 Fever
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particles
acid
If an antigen gets past these barriers it is
attacked and destroyed by other parts of the
immune system.
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Acquired Immunity
Immunity that develops with exposure to various
antigens
Your immune system builds a defense that is
specific to that antigen
Passive Immunity
Antibodies that are produced in a body other
than your own
Provides immediate protection, but not longlasting protection against an antigen
 Hepatitis
 Tetanus
Blood Components
 White Blood Cells (B and T cells)
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B
cells produce antibodies that attach to the
antigen
 T cells attack the antigen directly
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Cells can provide a “memory” for immune
system to respond faster and more
efficient next time you are exposed to
same antigen and in many cases prevent
you from getting sick (chicken pox).
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Inflammation
Occurs when tissues are injured by bacteria,
trauma, toxins, heat, or any other cause.
Damaged tissue releases chemicals causing
blood vessels to leak fluid into tissues, causing
swelling.
Helps isolate foreign substance from further
contact with body tissues
Allergies
An immune response to a substance that, in the
majority of people, the body perceives as
harmless