Diseases/Infections

• Diseases can be communicable or non-communicable
• Non-communicable diseases cannot be passed on from person to person
• Communicable diseases can be spread by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses
• Ill health can be casued by poor diet , high levels of stress and other life-situations
• People with defective immune system are much more likely to suffer from infectious disease
• Pathogens are microrganisims that cause infectious disease
• Bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses are all examples of pathogens
• Once inside the human body bacteria reproduce cery rapidly
• Bacteria can then release harmful chemicals called toxins
• Toxins damage Tissues and make us feel il
• Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves, they can only reproduce in a host cell
• • First the virus invades the host cell
  • Then the virus reproduces in the host cell
• This is very damaging to the cell. When the virus leaves the cell, it can cause the cell to burst open and die
• Pathogens can be spread:

  1. In water droplets in air(influenza)
  2. Directly in water(cholrea)
  3. Direct Contact(HIV)
• Reducing Pathogens

  1. Practice basic hygiene
  2. Have clean drinking water
  3. Use protection during sexual intercourse
  4. Isolating patients
  5. Vactination