Staying Healthy Flashcards
What are the components of malaria?
- Protozoan called plasmodium (parasite)
- Mosquitos (vectors)
- Humans (host)
What are the jobs of each component?
- Protozoan feeds on red blood cells
- Mosquitos carry disease without being affected by it
- Humans are affected by it
How can we reduce and prevent malaria?
Knowledge of breeding grounds being stagnant water, draining them helps reduce amount of mosquitos and therefore malaria that is spread
What is the difference between benign and malignant tumours?
Benign - stays in one place
Malignant - can spread to other parts of the body
What can reduce your chances of getting cancer?
Changes in lifestyle, eg. not smoking, wearing sunscreen.
What is the sequence of active immunity?
1) Pathogen produces toxins which damage cells and produce symptoms of illness
2) The body recognises foreign antigens and produces antibodies to lock onto them
3) The antibodies kill antigens such as bacteria, killing the pathogen and providing active immunity from that specific illness as more antibodies are made
What is the sequence for passive immunity?
1) Inert pathogen carrying antigens is injected into the body
2) White blood cells recognise the foreign antigens and produce antibodies
3) Memory cells (T-lymphocyte) remain in the body providing lasting immunity and reducing the chances of disease spreading
How do antibiotics work?
Target bacteria and fungus by destroying the pathogen.
How do antivirals work?
Target viruses by slowing down pathogen development.
What is a placebo and how does it work?
A harmless pill that is used to make a comparison in drug testing.
Why do we use blind and double blind tests?
Blind - subject doesn’t know if it is the drug or a placebo
Double blind - doctor doesn’t know either
This avoids biased results and “feel-good”
Why is the use of antibiotics becoming less effective?
Resistant bacteria are more common with excessive use of antibiotics.
