5. Preventing transmission + Antibiotics (B1.1.2 How our bodies defend themselves against infectious diseases)

Question 1

What is the name of the doctor who recognized the importance of hand-washing?

Answer 1

Semmelweis.

Question 2

According to Semmelweis, why is hand-washing important?

Answer 2

It prevents the spread of some infectious diseases.

Question 3

By insisting that doctors washed their hands before examining patients, what did Semmelweis achieve?

Answer 3

He greatly reduced the number of deaths from infectious diseases in his hospital.

Question 4

Why can’t painkillers be used to cure a disease?

Answer 4

Painkillers help to relieve the symptoms of infectious diseases, but do not kill the pathogens.

Question 5

Define and give an example of an antibiotic.

Answer 5

Antobiotics are medicines that help to cure bacterial disease by killing infective bacteria inside the body.

Penicillin

Question 6

What can’t antibiotics kill?

Answer 6

Viral pathogens, which live and reproduce inside cells.

Question 7

How should specific bacteria be treated?

Answer 7

By specific antibiotics.

Question 8

What was significant about the use of antibiotics?

Answer 8

It has greatly reduced deaths from infectious diseases.