Communicable diseases Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is a communicable disease?
A communicable disease is a disease that is caused by a pathogen. It can be transmitted from one person to another
Define ‘health’
Health is the state of physical and mental well-being
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes a disease e.g. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists
Name some factors (other than disease) that can have an effect on physical/mental health
- Diet
- Stress
- Standard of living / life situations
Name some risk factors for disease
- Smoking
- Exposure to radiation
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
Explain how different types of diseases can interact with each other
- Problems with the immune system mean that an individual is more likely to suffer from infectious diseases
- Viruses living in cells can be triggers for cancer
- Immune reactions initially caused by a pathogen can trigger allergies such as skin rashes and asthma
- Severe physical illness can lead to mental illness like depression
What type of pathogen causes measles?
A virus
What type of pathogen causes AIDS?
A virus called HIV
What type of pathogen causes Salmonella?
Bacteria
What type of pathogen causes malaria?
Protist
What are the symptoms of measles?
Fever, red skin rash. Can be very serious
What are the symptoms of AIDS?
Flu-like symptoms. The virus attacks the bodies immune cell to the point they can no longer fight diseases
What is salmonella and what are the symptoms?
Salmonella is food poisoning. The symptoms include: Fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Recurrent episodes of fever, can be fatal
