Infectious Diseases Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a communicable disease? Example?
A communicable disease is a disease that can be spread from person to person. For example, measles.
How are communicable diseases spread?
They are spread by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses.
What is a non-communicable disease? Example?
A non-communicable disease is a disease that can’t be passed from person to person. For example, coronary heart disease.
What is health?
Health is the state of physical and mental wellbeing.
How can ill-health be caused?
Ill-health can be caused by:
Communicable and Non-communicable diseases
Poor diet
Stress
Other life situations
What is a disadvantage of having a defective immune system?
You’ll suffer many infectious diseases.
How does HPV (human papilloma virus) cause cervical cancer?
HPV infects the cells of the cervix.
How do people get an allergy after being ill?
Their body fights off a pathogen and are left with an allergy.
What are pathogens?
Pathogens are micro-organisms that cause infectious diseases.
What are four different types of pathogens?
Bacteria
Fungi
Virus
Protists
What happens when bacteria enter the body?
The bacteria reproduce very quickly. Then they release harmful chemicals called toxins. The toxins damage tissues and make us feel ill.
What happens when a virus enters the cell?
The virus invades the host cell and reproduces inside the host cell. When the virus leaves the cell, it can cause the cell to burst open and die.
Three ways pathogens are spread are:
Water droplets in the air
Directly in water
Direct contact between individuals
Five ways to reduce the spread of pathogens are:
Washing your hands (Basic hygiene)
Providing people with clean drinking water
Using a condom
Being isolated
Vaccination
What happens when someone gets measles?
They develop a fever at first. Then after around three days the patient develops a red skin rash.
How is measles spread?
Measles is spread by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is passed when the droplets are inhaled.
What happens when the immune system is so badly damaged?
It cannot fight off other infections or cancer cells that others can easily.
What are anti retroval drugs?
Anti retroval drugs are drugs that stop the virus from multiplying inside the patient, so the virus doesn’t damage the patient’s immune system. It is not a cure and must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life.
What is an advantage of taking anti retroval drugs?
The patient will not go on to develop AIDS and can live a normal life expectancy.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is spread through the exchange of fluids between humans such as unprotected sexual intercourse and when drug users share infected needles.
