What Are Communicable Diseases? Notes: Welcome to the Health 9 Lesson: What Are Communicable Diseases. Please click the next button to continue. 1.2 Introduction Notes: You've had a cold certainly...well how did you treat it? Did you wonder how you got it? Let's learn a little more about the common cold and other communicable diseases.
1.3 Lesson Objectives Notes: We will: 1. identify pathogens that cause communicable diseases. 2. explain how communicable diseases are spread. 3. develop skills and strategies to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 1.4 Microorganisms and Communicable Diseases Notes: Communicable diseases are caused by microorganisms entering the body. By understanding how communicable diseases are spread, you can reduce your risk of getting them using healthy behaviors.
1.5 Pathogens Notes: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and rickettsia are all common types of pathogens. Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases. When the body cannot fight off an infection, a disease develops. 1.6 Diseases by Type of Pathogen Notes: This chart categorizes the different types of pathogens as well as some common diseases caused by each type.
1.7 Viruses Notes: Viruses are one type of organism that can cause communicable diseases. Viruses need living cells to reproduce. Typically viruses run their course and are destroyed by the immune system. Remember that antibiotics do not work against viruses. 1.8 Bacteria Notes: Bacteria can cause disease as well. Most bacteria are harmless and are essential for life. In some cases, such as with tetanus, bacteria can produce a toxin which can cause further harm. Most diseases caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics.
1.9 Other Types of Pathogens Notes: There are other types of pathogens that can cause disease as well, such as fungi, protozoans, and rickettsia.
1.10 Transmission of Communicable Diseases Notes: Communicable diseases are transmitted through direct and indirect contact such as breathing in contaminated air. By knowing how communicable diseases are spread, precautions can be taken to avoid infection. 1.11 Direct Contact Notes: Spread by direct contact includes touching, biting, kissing, etc. in addition, sneezing and coughing can disperse droplets of saliva or mucus to other people.
1.12 Indirect Contact Notes: Indirect contact can also be a mode of transmission for communicable diseases. Coming in contact with contaminated objects can spread disease. Also, vectors such as insects can be indirect causes of disease transmission. Finally, infected contaminated water and food and careless handling of food can also be a mode of transmission.
1.13 Airborne Transmission Notes: Pathogens from a sneeze or cough may float in the air for a long time and travel long distances. Airborne transmission is different from direct contact because the pathogens don't settle quickly on surfaces. Diseases that are transmitted this way are chicken pox, influenza, and tuberculosis. 1.14 Washing Hands Notes: Reducing your risk of communicable diseases isn't complicated. Washing your hands is the single most effective strategy for preventing the spread of this disease.
When should you wash your hands? Before you prepare food, before you eat, after you use the restroom, and after handling animals. 1.15 Handling Food Properly Notes: Foodborne illness occurs in places where food is handled improperly. Remember to separate raw meat from other foods and cook food to its proper temperature. Do not use sponges or dishcloths to wipe surfaces. Use paper towels! 1.16 Other Prevention Strategies
Notes: There are other strategies that will help you reduce your risk of getting or spreading communicable diseases. Avoid sharing eating utensils and other personal items. Cover your mouth by coughing and sneezing into your elbow. Manage stress, practice abstinence, and keep yourself updated on vaccinations. 1.17 Lesson Review Notes: To review terms for this lesson, please click on the Glossary link above. On the next few slides, you will complete a short assessment to see how much you remember. Good Luck! 2. Quiz