How we protect ourselves from Pathogens

1. How we protect ourselves from Pathogens

2. Introduction • There are many ways we protect ourselves from pathogens. • The majority of these ways are preventative (or proactive) measures which thwart a pathogen from getting a foothold and making us ill. • It is different when a pathogen is already making us ill. • Those methods are reactionary measures which kill off a pathogen that is already doing damage.

3. Vaccines • Vaccines are a preventative measure against viruses. • They are (usually) injected into a person’s bloodstream in order to make the immune system aware of a potential invader.

4. Vaccines • Vaccines are made in many different ways. • They are usually dead or weakened versions of the virus, but can be viral proteins or other parts of the virus that our immune system sees as an invader.

5. Germ Fighters • Center for Disease Control says the best way to prevent germs from spreading is to wash your hands with soap and water. If they are not available, use a hand sanitizer.

6. Germ Fighters • Germ fighters or sanitizers are liquids that have over 60% alcohol in them. • The alcohol of choice is either isopropyl or ethanol. • Alcohol kills most bacteria, virus and fungi. • Anthrax and C. difficile, however, are resistant to alcohol.

7. Antibiotics • Antibiotics are a reactionary measure to a bacterial infection. • Since we have billions of helpful bacteria associated with our bodies, antibiotics are not used as a preventative measure.

8. Antibiotics Overuse (and misuse) of antibiotics has lead to many different types of resistant bacteria (i.e. MRSA). The active ingredient in most antibiotics is actually a fungus.

9. Antifungals • Antifungals are a reactionary measure to a fungal infection. • They are usually a cream or ointment since fungal infections are exterior. • They work by exploiting the difference between fungal cells and animal cells. • There are antifungal agents in many of our sanitary supplies (i.e. zinc pyrithione in shampoos).

10. Insect Repellent • An insect repellent is a substance applied to the skin (or other surface) that deters insects from landing there. • They help prevent the spread of insect-borne pathogens. • Synthetic repellents are more effective than natural ones, with any containing DEET (chemical structure on the right) being among the best.

11. Protective Devices • There are lots of protective devices that are used in order to protect ourselves from infection by pathogen. • Here are some examples (This is where you give the supply teacher some examples and he/she writes them in this space on the smartboard!):

12. Sanitary Practices • The best way to be proactive towards pathogens is to practice good sanitary techniques like hand washing, food washing, cleaning up after yourself and your pets, etc… • Pathogens love mess and disorder, so eliminating potential mess eliminates potential pathogen hang outs.

13. Homework • What is the difference between a preventative measure and a reactionary measure? Give an example of each showing the difference. • What is the difference between a vaccine and an antibiotic? • Bruno gets a cut while watching Monday Night Football. He pours beer over it because he heard the alcohol will kill any potential pathogens. Is he correct? Why or why not? • What areas of Holy Cross do you feel are potential germ incubators? Why?