Understanding Immunity and Immunisation

• Immunisation is used for the control of communicable/infectious diseases

The Immune System and Its Impact

• The immune system defends the body against pathogens like bacteria and viruses, and includes white blood cells, antibodies, and the lymphatic system
• Diseases can compromise the immune system by harming immune cells or disrupting their function.
  • HIV/AIDS weakens the immune system by attacking white blood cells, hindering the body's ability to fight infections.

Immunity

• Immunity is the body's capacity to resist disease by recognizing and destroying harmful microorganisms before they cause illness

Role of White Blood Cells

• White blood cells (WBCs) protect the body
  • Identifying and attacking pathogens
  • Producing antibodies to fight infections
  • Remembering past infections for long-term immunity

Types of Immunity

Natural Immunity

• Natural immunity is protection without medical intervention
  • Innate immunity is one you are born with
  • Acquired immunity develops after recovering from an infection (e.g., chickenpox)

Artificial Immunity

• Artificial immunity develops through medical intervention like vaccines
  • Vaccines contain weakened or dead pathogens to stimulate antibody production
  • COVID-19 and Polio vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight these viruses

Non-Infectious (Non-Communicable) Disease

• Non-infectious diseases cannot spread from person to person
  • They stem from genetics, lifestyle, or environmental factors
  • Examples include diabetes and hypertension

Examples of Non-Infectious Diseases

Allergies

• An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances (allergens) like dust, pollen, or certain foods
  • Symptoms include sneezing, itching, rashes, and swelling

Autoimmune Diseases

• Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body cells
  • Lupus causes inflammation and pain, affecting the skin, joints, and organs
  • Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain

Diabetes and Hypertension: Causes and Effects

• Diabetes is a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar
  • Cause is typically a lack of insulin (Type 1) or insulin resistance (Type 2)
  • Effects of diabetes include nerve damage, kidney problems, and vision loss
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) means blood pressure is too high
  • Causes are poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and genetics
  • Effects of hypertension include heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke

Disease and Communicable Disease Definitions

• A disease is an illness affecting the normal function of the body
• A communicable (infectious) disease can spread through direct contact, air, water, or contaminated surfaces

Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment of STIs

Bacterial STIs

• Syphilis:
  • Cause: Bacteria Treponema pallidum
  • Symptoms: Sores, rashes, fever
  • Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing
  • Treatment: Antibiotics
• Gonorrhea:
  • Cause: Bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Symptoms: Painful urination, discharge
  • Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing
  • Treatment: Antibiotics
• Chlamydia:
  • Cause: Bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Symptoms: Painful urination, discharge
  • Prevention: Safe sex, regular testing
  • Treatment: Antibiotics

Viral STIs

• Herpes:
  • Cause: Virus Herpes simplex
  • Symptoms: Blisters, pain, itching
  • Prevention: Avoid direct contact
  • Treatment: No cure, antiviral drugs
• Hepatitis B & C:
  • Cause: Hepatitis viruses
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, liver damage
  • Prevention: Vaccination, hygiene
  • Treatment: No cure, antiviral drugs
• HIV/AIDS:
  • Cause: Virus Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Symptoms: Weak immune system, weight loss
  • Prevention: Safe sex, avoid sharing needles
  • Treatment: No cure, but ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) helps

Fungal STIs

• Candidiasis (Thrush):
  • Cause: Fungus Candida
  • Symptoms: White patches in mouth, itching
  • Prevention: Hygiene, healthy diet
  • Treatment: Antifungal medication