Prevention of Disease B6 Flashcards
What does a vaccine do?
Vaccines prevent people from getting a disease/infections.
What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is where a dead or weakened version of a disease (which contain antigens) is given so they don’t do any harm but trigger an immune response and your white blood cells will produce antibodies to attack them. Some of these blood cells will remain again.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are chemicals that kill bacteria without killing your own body cells. Many are produced naturally by fungi and other microbes. They are useful for clearing up bacterial infections. Some bacteria are naturally resistant to certain antibiotics, misuse of antibiotics/overprescribing has led to an increase rate of development of resistant strains, e.g. MRSA.
What are antivirals?
Antivirals can be used to treat viral infections. They are difficult to produce because it’s hard to target the virus without damaging the cell. Most antivirals don’t kill viruses but stop them from reproducing.
What are antiseptics?
Antiseptics are chemicals that destroy microorganisms or stop them growing. Antiseptics are used outside the body to help clean wounds or surfaces. They are used to prevent infection rather than treat it. Plenty of household products contain antiseptics. e.g. bathroom cleaners.
How can you reduce the spread of disease in humans?
By being hygienic, destroying vectors and vaccination.
How can the spread of diseases be reduced in plants?
Destroy infected plants - stops them from being the source of infection. Crop rotation - many pathogens are found specific to a plant so change the plants. Chemical control - e.g. fungicides can be used to kill fungal pathogens.
