Infection and Response: Communicable and non-communicable + Pathogens Flashcards
What does it mean if something is a communicable disease? And what are they spread by?
Communicable disease is a disease that can be spread from person to person. Communicable diseases are spread by pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.
What does it mean if something is a non-communicable disease?
Non-communicable diseases cannot be passed from person to person. eg. coronary heart disease.
What is meant by the term “Health”
Health is defined as the state of physical and mental well-being.
What can bacteria produce that make you feel ill?
Bacteria produce toxins which make you feel ill.
What are pathogens?
Pathogens are microorganisms that cause infectious disease.
What are the four types of pathogens?
The four types of pathogens are: viruses, protists, fungi, bacteria.
Describe how bacteria can make us ill
Bacteria can make us feel ill as once they are inside the human body, 1. bacteria reproduce very rapidly, 2. bacteria can then release harmful toxins, 3. these toxins damage tissues and make us feel ill.
How are viruses very different to bacteria?
Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves, they can only reproduce inside a host cell.
How are pathogens spread?
Pathogens are spread in the air in water droplets (eg. influenza) , directly through water (eg. cholera) , direct contact (eg. HIV)
Describe how viruses are spread
First the virus invades the host cell, the virus now reproduces inside the host cell, this is very damaging to the cell, when the virus leaves the cell it can cause the cell to burst open and die.
What are a few ways in which we could reduce the spread of pathogens? (4)
We can reduce the spread of pathogens by being hygienic such as washing our hands, drinking clean water, using a condom, isolating ourselves when infected with diseases , getting vaccinated.
