Communicable Diseases

 

A pathogen is a disease causing microorganism.

 

They need 2 things to survive:

1. Nutrients

2. Warmth

 

A communicable disease is a disease that can be spread and is caused by a pathogen.

 

What are the differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases?

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Health factors that may influence the chance of you getting a disease:

1. Poor diet  

2. Stress  

3. Life situations (poverty, housing)

 

How Diseases Interact  

• Weak immune system → more infections  

• Viruses in cells → trigger cancer  

• Immune overreactions → allergies or dementia  

• Severe physical illness → depression

 

You need to learn the 4 types of pathogens for your exam along with the different examples.

 

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How can communicable diseases be spread?

1. Direct contact (kissing, fluids)  

2. Water (contaminated drinking water)  

3. Air (droplets from coughs/sneezes)

 

How can you reduce the spread of communicable diseases?  

1. Hygiene (handwashing, disinfectants)  

2. Vaccination (herd immunity)  

3. Isolation (quarantine)

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How do different pathogens make you ill?

1. Bacteria → reproduce fast + release toxins that damage cells

2. Viruses → live inside cells → burst them

 

You need to know the following information about specific diseases:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vector = organism that carries pathogen (e.g., mosquito)