COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

1. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES • Communicable Disease- a disease that is spread from one living thing to another through the environment. • Pathogen – an organism that causes disease. • Infection – a condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiply and damage body cells.

2. Viruses- pieces of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. *Inactive, need living cells *Multiply in cells, then burst into other cells. *Usually killed by immune system *Antibiotics do not work Examples: *Common cold *Influenza (flu) *Viral pneumonia *Viral hepatitis *Polio *Mononucleosis *Measles *AIDS *Chicken Pox *Herpes *Rabies Viruses

3. Bacteria-single-celled microorganisms Live everywhere Most harmless Can produce a toxin – a substance that kills cells or interferes with their functions Treated with antibiotics – a class of chemical agents that destroy disease causing micro-organisms while leaving the patient unharmed –either kill bacteria or prevent it from reproducing Examples: Strep throat Tuberculosis Diptheria Gonorrhea Lyme disease Pinkeye Bacterial pneumonia Bacterial meningitis Bacteria

4. Other Pathogens: • Fungi – plantlike organisms such as mold or yeasts • Protozoans – single-celled organisms that are larger and more complex than bacteria • Rickettsias – pathogens that resemble bacteria usually enter the body through bites.

5. Transmission • Direct Contact • Indirect Contact • Contaminated objects • Vectors • Water and Food • Airborne Transmission

6. PREVENTION: • Washing hands • Handling Food Properly • Balanced Diet • Avoid sharing • Proper Food Storage • Unnecessary Contact with people who are ill • Vaccinations • Abstinence