Communicable Disease 2 - Viruses

• What are viruses considered to be?

  Organisms
• How do viruses reproduce?

  By using a host cell's machinery
• What happens when viruses burst a host cell?

  They release new viruses to infect others
• Why do viruses make us feel ill?

  They damage our bodies during infection
• How is the measles virus spread?

  By droplets from coughing or sneezing
• How is HIV primarily spread?

  Through sexual contact and bodily fluids
• What is AIDS?

  A disease where the immune system is weak
• What do anti-retroviral drugs do?

  Prevent HIV from replicating in the body
• How can people with HIV live normal lives?

  By accessing anti-retroviral medications early
• What does the tobacco mosaic virus affect?

  Certain plant species like tobacco and tomato
• What is the impact of TMV on plants?

  It hinders photosynthesis in affected areas
• What is the overall effect of TMV on plant growth?

  Plants cannot produce enough sugars