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Chapter 6. Fighting Diseases. What is a disease?. A disease is where a part of parts of the body does not work the way it should. Two types of disease: Communicable – Contagious, able to be passed from one person to another. Examples:
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Chapter 6 Fighting Diseases
What is a disease? • A disease is where a part of parts of the body does not work the way it should. Two types of disease: • Communicable – Contagious, able to be passed from one person to another. • Examples: • Non-communicable- Not contagious or spread among people. • Examples:
What is an epidemic? • An epidemic is when a disease becomes widespread among many people. Can we give some examples of epidemics?
History of Fighting Disease • In the 1800’s, a man named John Lister wondered why so many people died from infections in their wounds. • He thought that these things called “germs” were causing the infections. • He came up with the idea of using carbolic acid to kill germs. • This was the first antiseptic that worked. • Soon doctors began sterilizing their instruments and bandages.
Important Discoveries in Disease • Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch developed the “germ theory” • Germ Theory- germs cause disease. • Alexander Fleming- While doing an experiment, he noticed mold. After looking closer he saw yellow substance trying to kill the bacteria. This germ killer was later called penicillin. • Penicillin became the first antibiotic.
Pathogens • Diseases start with pathogens. • The most common pathogens are viruses and bacteria. • Bacteria: One celled organisms. Most bacteria are good for you but some make you sick. • Virus: Microscopic structures. They are not living like bacteria but reproduce inside your cells.