3.1 Communicable Diseases Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are communicable diseases?
Diseases that can be spread from one person to another, caused by pathogens
What are examples of communicable diseases?
Flu, tuberculosis, cholera, HIV/AIDS, malaria
How can communicable diseases spread?
Through air, water, contact, or vectors (e.g. mosquitoes for malaria)
What are non-communicable diseases?
Diseases that cannot be spread from one person to another, such as cancer or heart disease
What are the main types of pathogens?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists
How does the immune system defend against pathogens?
Through physical barriers, immune cells, and antibodies
What is the role of vaccines?
To stimulate the immune system by introducing dead or inactive pathogens to produce memory cells
What is herd immunity?
When a large percentage of the population is immune to a disease, preventing its spread
What are antibiotics?
Medicines that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Why can’t antibiotics treat viral infections?
Viruses live inside host cells and replicate using host machinery, so they can’t be targeted by antibiotics
What is antibiotic resistance?
When bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive the effects of antibiotics, making them less effective
How can we reduce antibiotic resistance?
By using antibiotics only when necessary and completing prescribed courses
