B5 + B6 - Health & Disease Flashcards
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a certain type of organism like bacteria or a virus that could be considered a danger to our health.
Communicable disease
A communicable disease is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person. Its severity can vary, from a cold to tuberculosis.
Non-communicable disease
A non-communicable disease is a disease that is not contagious but could be as severe as a communicable disease.
Health - Definition
Health is a state of physical and mental well-being
What is herd immunity?
If a large proportion of the population is immune to a disease, the spread of the pathogen is much reduced.
What are antibodies?
These are the cells that the white blood cells make up. They latch on to ANTIGENS and they either inactivate or destroy them.
What is vaccination?
Vaccination involves injecting smaller, weaker versions of a specific disease into your body, so that your immune system can destroy, and then remember it. It could be colloquially called a ‘drill’ for your body.
What different types of white blood cells are there?
lymphocytes and phagocytes
How to antibiotics work?
Antibiotics cure bacterial diseases by killing the bacterial cells inside your body.
What is antibiotic resistance?
When bacteria become resistant and antibiotics don’t work against them.
What is the main cause of antibiotic resistance?
Not completing your entire course of antibiotics.
How were drugs traditionally extracted?
Traditionally, drugs were extracted from plants or microorganisms.
Who discovered penicillin?
Alexander flemming discovered penicillin.
What are drugs tested extensively for?
Efficacy, toxicity, dosage
