Communicable Diseases

1. Communicable Diseases

2. 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.

3. Pathogens (germs)- diseasing causing microorganisms • Parasites • Fungi • Bacteria • can be cured usually by an antibiotic • Viruses • can 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Common Cold • Effects some people, especially kids- average 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 • tickle in the throat • Runny/stuffy nose • sneezing

7. Most colds are contagious up to 3 weeks • Time Cures All • Over the counter decongestants/antihistamines may ease symptoms

8. 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

9. 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 • The Pinkeye caused by a bacteria can be treated with prescribed antibiotic eye drops

10. 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

11. 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-the-counter/some prescribed

12. H1N1 • New flu virus first detected in US in April 2009 • Spreads person-to-person • 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

13. 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!

14. Immune Response • how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful to the body

15. Immune System • protects the body from potentially harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens • Antigens- molecules on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria. • The immune system recognizes and destroys substances that contain these antigens

16. 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 particles • Skin • Stomach acid • Fever • If an antigen gets past these barriers it is attacked and destroyed by other parts of the immune system.

17. 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 long-lasting protection against an antigen • Hepatitis • Tetanus

18. Blood Components • White Blood Cells (B and T cells) • B cells produce antibodies that attach to the antigen • T cells attack the antigen directly • 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).

19. 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