Causes, Transmission, and Treatment Of Diseases Flashcards
Where do most diseases affect and individual?
In the respiratory tract
Nose to lungs
Caused by bacteria or viruses
What are some diseases caused by bacteria or viruses?
Bacteria - Strep throat and bacteria pneumonia
Viral Diseases - Common cold and flu
What is strep throat?
Infection of throat and tonsils
Causes the throat to be irritated and inflamed
Streptococcal bacteria and other types
How is strep throat spread?
Direct contact to a sick person
Droplets containing strep in the air from coughing, breathing, or sneezing
Takes 2-5 days to show symptoms
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
Severe sore throat
Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
White or yellow spots on throat
How is strep diagnosed?
Physical exam
Rapid strep test
Throat culture
How is strep treated?
Antibiotics to reduce how long a person is contagious and the risk of spread
Over the counter medicine to relieve pain and reduce fever
What is bacteria pneumonia?
Collection of many different diseases
One of the top ten causes of death in the US
The elderly, young children, and individuals with health problem at risk
How is bacterial pneumonia spread?
Breathing the bacteria into the lungs
Direct contact with those who are infected
Contaminated objects and environmental sources
What are the symptoms of bacteria pneumonia?
Coughing with mucus Fever Shortness of breath Chest pain Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
How is bacterial pneumonia diagnosed?
Physical exam and review of symptoms
Chest x-ray and blood test
Additional tests may be needed
How is bacterial pneumonia treated?
With antibiotics
Getting plenty of rest, drinking liquids, and not smoking
What is the common cold?
Viral infection of nose and throat
Over 200 different viruses, not harmful
Most common illness in US with adults having colds 2-4 times/year
Children as many as 6-10 times/year
How is the common cold spread?
Hand-to-hand contact and shared objects
Droplets in air from talking, coughing, or sneezing
Enters through mouth or nose
What are the symptoms of the cold?
Runny/stuffy nose Itchy/sore throat Cough Congestion Body aches or mild headache Sneezing/watery eyes
How is the common cold diagnosed/treated?
No real medical test, no doctor unless conditions worsen
No medical treatment
OTC meds can help with symptoms: decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, cough meds, pain relievers
What is influenza?
Flu viral infection of nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs
Caused by influenza A, B, or C virus
New strains always evolving
How is influenza spread?
Mouth or nose
Droplets in air from talking, coughing, or sneezing
Contaminated objects
What are symptoms of influenza?
High fever Chills and sweats Fatigue and weakness Headache/muscle aches Cough and congestion Diarrhea
How is influenza diagnosed and treated?
Based on symptoms, influenza rapid test
Antiviral meds, bed rest and fluids
Prevention with annual flu vaccination
What are other common bacteria diseases?
Meningitis
Tuberculosis
What are other common viral diseases?
Hepatitis A, B, and C
Mononucleosis
Encephalitis
Meningitis
