Communicable Diseases

Transcription

1 Lesson 5.1 Communicable Diseases By Carone Fitness You have probably been in a situation similar to Corry's. The common cold is a communicable disease. 1

2 Defined Communicable diseases are illnesses that are spread from person to person. Non-communicable diseases are illnesses that are not contagious. Pathogens Communicable diseases are caused by small, microscopic organisms called pathogens. Pathogens attack the cells and tissues of your body. Most of these pathogens are parasites. Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism and consume its food. 2

3 Pathogens Different types of pathogens include: Bacteria Viruses Rickettsias Protozoans Fungi Bacteria Bacteria are single-celled organisms that invade the body and then multiply at a rapid rate. Bacteria can be found in the air, soil, and water. Some bacteria harm humans by releasing a poison. Tuberculosis and strep throat are both caused by bacteria. 3

4 Viruses Viruses are the smallest known type of infectious agent. A virus attacks specific types of cells. First, a virus attaches itself to the cell, and then it injects genetic material into that cell. Finally, the virus makes a copy of itself. The common cold and influenza are caused by viruses. Rickettsias Rickettsias resemble small bacteria. Like viruses they can only multiply by invading the cells of another life form. Rickettsias are found in the intestinal tracts of insects, mice, ticks, and mites. Typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted yp y p Fever are caused by rickettsias. 4

5 Protozoans Protozoans are single-celled organisms that are larger and more complex than bacteria. Most protozoans are harmless. Protozoans that harm humans are usually found in tropical areas that have poor sanitation. Malaria is caused by a protozoan. Fungi Fungi are simple organisms that cannot make their own food. Fungi prefer damp, dark environments. Examples of disease-causing fungi include ringworm and athlete s foot. 5

6 Resident Bacteria There are certain types of bacteria that live within your body and aid in biological functions. These types of friendly bacteria are referred to as resident bacteria. Transmission Transmission is the spread of infectious pathogens. Transmission can occur through several different means, namely: People Animals Animals Contaminated objects The environment 6

7 People People serve as a means of transmission, as one can be infected through direct and indirect contact with an infected person. Direct contact is when an uninfected person comes into physical contact with an infected person. Sexually transmitted diseases are spread by means of direct contact. Indirect Contact Both bacteria and viruses can enter the body through the lungs, if droplets containing diseased cells are inhaled. These droplets are formed when an infected person exhales, coughs, or sneezes. This means of transmission is known as indirect contact. 7

8 Animals Animals, especially insects, spread many diseases. An infected dog can spread rabies, which can be fatal. Mosquitoes often ingest blood from an infected person and then spread it to an uninfected person. Malaria and dengue fever are spread this way. Contaminated Objects Certain pathogens can be spread when an uninfected person comes into contact with a contaminated object. Contaminated objects can include: Eating utensils Glasses Glasses Toothbrushes Needles used to inject drugs 8

9 Environment The environment in which you live can also transmit disease through the food, water, air, and soil. Transmission can result from careless behavior. Toxic dumping and the improper handling of food are examples of this. Prevention Tips To stay healthy and avoid communicable diseases, follow these prevention tips: 9

10 Wash Your Hands Wash your hands often. Wash your hands before and after working with food. Wash your hands before eating. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Get Vaccinated Get Vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will drastically reduce your risk of getting the disease. 10

11 Don t Share Personal Items Don t Share Personal Items. Don t share personal items such as: Toothbrush Comb Glass/eating utensils Earrings Lip gloss Also, be sure to keep your personal items and home clean. Treatment If you begin to have the signs and symptoms of a disease, stay at home. Staying at home will help you to not spread the illness to others. It will also help ensure that you get the rest you need. 11

12 Antibiotics Some communicable diseases are treated by antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Only use antibiotics when they are necessary. Also, be sure to follow the directions EXACTLY. Do not stop taking the antibiotics because the symptoms are gone. Presented By Carone Fitness 12