Diseases Terms

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Disease- is an illness that affects the proper functioning of the body or mind.

Communicable disease- can be passed to a person from another person, an animal, or an object.

Types of communicable diseases:

• The common cold- is the most familiar communicable disease. A cold is caused by one of several hundred different viruses. The symptoms of a cold includes mild fever, running nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, mild sore throat, and headache.
• Influenza or the flu- this diseases caused by one of three types of influenza virus, each with several different strains. Flu symptoms include fever, exhaustion, chills, headache, and body ache. Yearly vaccination against the flu is recommended for older people and for people will have chronic diseases. Because the virus changes frequently, a vaccine that kills an older strand may not harm a new one.
• Strep throat- this infection is caused by streptococci bacteria that produce a very sore throat, fever, muscle pain, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, including heart damage. That is why your doctor may order a strep test if your tonsils and throat are inflamed. Strep throat can be cured with antibiotics.
• Mononucleosis {mono}- is a viral disease whose symptoms include swollen, tender areas in the neck and sore throat. Mononucleosis is the most common in teens and young adults and is spread by direct contact. People who have mono generally feel weak and have little energy. Treatment includes complete bed rest. Recovery can take three or more weeks, and the disease can reoccur during the year after the first attack.
• Other types of common communicable diseases: chicken pox, pneumonia, rubella, measles, mumps, whooping cough, tuberculosis, and lime disease.

Noncommunicable disease- may be caused by life style factors, conditions that people are born with it, or environmental hazards.

Pathogens- are tiny organisms that cause communicable diseases.

Types of pathogens:

• Fungi- our primitive life forms that feed on organic materials. Certain fungi live in the hair, nails, and skin. Fungi causes ringworm, an infection of the scale and skin and athlete's foot, an infection of the skin between the toes.
• Protozoa- our single cell organisms that are usually harmless but they can cause certain diseases. Malaria is a disease caused by protozoa that live in certain kinds of mosquitoes. With an infected mosquito bites a human, the person will be infected.
• Rickettsias- our disease causing organisms that resemble bacteria but multiplied like viruses. They enter humans from the bites of insects such as fleas or lice. They can cause diseases such as typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How pathogens are spread:

• Direct contact with an infected person- you can't pick up pathogens on your stand by coming into contact with an infected person.
• In direct contact with an infected person- some pathogens the spread through the air. Pathogens can also enter your body if you share eating utensils or drinking glasses with an infected person.
• Contact with a vector- a vector is an organism, such as an insect, that transmits a pathogen. Ticks spread two serious diseases lime disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Other contacts- pathogens can your body if you drink water or eat food that contains them. In police stored food, or undercooked meat, is dangerous for this reason. Another way to become infected is to receive blood that carries pathogens.

Infection- is a condition that occurs when pathogens enter the body, multiplying, and damage cells.

Bacteria- are tiny one-celled organisms that live nearly everywhere. Most types of bacteria are harmless, and many types live on and inside the human body. In fact, your body needs certain bacteria to work properly. Common diseases caused by bacteria include strep throat, tooth decay, boils, bacterial pneumonia, and impetigo.

Virus- is the smallest disease causing organism. Colds, flu and hepatitis are caused by viruses.

Ways of preventing the spread of disease:

• Wash your hands frequently and always before handling it food.
• Use clean utensils when preparing food, and keep preparation services clean.
• Do not share utensils or drinking glasses with others.

When outdoors:

• Where suitable clothing.
• Used insect repellent to avoid bites from ticks and mosquitoes.
• Examine your body for ticks after you have been in an area where they might be found.
• Avoid contact with a contagious person until he or she is better.
• Make sure you have had the vaccinations recommended for your age.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze {to protect others}.

Contagious period- when a particular disease can spread from person to person.

The body's first line of defense against infection:

• Eyes- tears wash pathogens from your eyes. Tears also contain chemical compounds that kill pathogens.
• Skin- the tough, outer layer of skin protects you from pathogens. However, they can enter the body if you have a cut, burned, or scrape.
• Stomach- gastric juices produced by the lining of your stomach help kill pathogens that enter the body through food or drink.
• Mucous membranes and saliva- mucus membranes line your throat and secrete fluid called mucus that traps pathogens. In the mouth, saliva washes germs from your teeth. Saliva also contains chemicals that kill many pathogens.

Immune system- is a combination of body defenses made up of cells, tissues, and organs that fight off pathogens and disease.

Immunity- your body's ability to resist the germs that cause a particular disease.

Lymphatic system- is a secondary circulatory system that helps the body fight pathogens and maintains its fluid balance. The lymphatic system carries a fluid known as lymph and produces white blood cells known as lymphocytes. To kinds of lymphocytes are B cells and T cells both are involved in the specific immune response. Peace cells are formed in bone marrow, and T-cells are produced in the thymus gland.

Antigens- substance is released by invading pathogens.

Antibodies- fight antigen, proteins that attached to antigens, keeping them from harming the body.

Vaccines- are a preparation of dead or weakened pathogens that is injected into the body to cause the immune system to produce antibodies. These germs will not cause illness, but will trigger the body to make antibodies for them.

Good health habits- reduce chances of illness. When your body is strong and healthy, is baked better able to fight off pathogens.

• Following a sensible eating plan to maintain your overall health. A strong, healthy immune system can fight pathogens better than a weak one.
• Get plenty of rest. Fatigue reduces the effectiveness of your immune system.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
• Drink water only from a pool of water supplies. Do not drink from streams, lakes, and rivers.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, tooth brushes, hair brushes, and makeup.

• Choose your friends carefully. They should share your values and support your decision about practicing sexual abstinence.
• Know your limits and communicate them with your date before you go out.
• Avoid being alone with a date. Group activities remove pressure from sexual activity.
• Seated lice from a trusted adult on handling difficult situations.