Health 6 Long Test Pointers/Reviewer PDF

HEALTH 6 Long Test Pointers/Reviewer S.Y. 2024-2025 TOPIC: Disease Agents Communicable diseases are caused by various types of disease agents. Understanding these agents is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Below are the main categories of disease agents: 1....

HEALTH 6 Long Test Pointers/Reviewer S.Y. 2024-2025 TOPIC: Disease Agents Communicable diseases are caused by various types of disease agents. Understanding these agents is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Below are the main categories of disease agents: 1. Bacteria Definition: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can thrive in various environments. Some bacteria are beneficial, while others can cause diseases. Examples of Bacterial Diseases: Tuberculosis (TB): Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affecting the lungs. Strep Throat: Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to sore throat and fever. Bacterial Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, caused by various bacteria. Characteristics: Structure: Prokaryotic cells (lack a nucleus). Reproduction: Asexually through binary fission. Treatment: Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections. 2. Viruses Definition: Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate. They are not considered living organisms because they cannot reproduce on their own. Examples of Viral Diseases: Influenza: Caused by the influenza virus, leading to respiratory illness. HIV/AIDS: Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, affecting the immune system. COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affecting the respiratory system. Characteristics: Structure: Consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. Reproduction: Must infect a host cell to replicate. Treatment: Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms, but vaccines are crucial for prevention. 3. Fungi Definition: Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular. Some fungi are beneficial, while others can cause infections. Examples of Fungal Diseases: Candidiasis: Caused by Candida species, often affecting the mouth or genital area. Athlete's Foot: A skin infection caused by dermatophytes. Histoplasmosis: A respiratory disease caused by inhaling fungal spores from soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Characteristics: Structure: Eukaryotic cells with a defined nucleus. Reproduction: Can reproduce sexually or asexually through spores. Treatment: Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections. 4. Parasites Definition: Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host organism and benefit at the host's expense. They can be unicellular or multicellular. Examples of Parasitic Diseases: Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium species, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Giardiasis: Caused by Giardia lamblia, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Toxoplasmosis: Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, often affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. Characteristics: Structure: Varies widely; can be eukaryotic (like protozoa and helminths). Reproduction: Can reproduce sexually or asexually, depending on the type. Treatment: Antiparasitic medications are used for treatment. TOPIC: Communicable Diseases Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi) that can be transmitted from one person to another or from animals to humans. These diseases can spread through various routes, including: 1. Direct contact: Physical interaction with an infected person (e.g., touching, saliva transmission). 2. Indirect contact: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with pathogens. 3. Airborne transmission: Inhaling droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person. 4. Vector-borne transmission: Being bitten by infected insects (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks).  5. Food and waterborne transmission: Consuming contaminated food or water. Understanding communicable diseases is essential for promoting health, preventing outbreaks, and ensuring a well-informed public. It equips individuals and communities with the knowledge necessary to combat these diseases effectively, fostering a healthier society overall. Common Communicable Diseases: 1. INFLUENZA FLU Causes: Influenza viruses (types A, B, and C). Symptoms: fever and chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headaches Modes of Transmission: Airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes. Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. 2. CHICKENPOX Causes: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) Symptoms: itchy, blister-like rash, fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, headache Modes of Transmission: Airborne transmission through respiratory droplets. Direct contact with the rash of an infected person. 3. TUBERCULOSIS Causes: Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria Symptoms: persistent cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever Modes of Transmission: Airborne transmission through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 4. COVID-19 Causes: SARS-CoV-2 virus Symptoms: fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea Modes of Transmission: Airborne transmission through respiratory droplets. Close contact with infected individuals. Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. 5. MEASLES Causes: Measles virus Symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, rash that usually appears 7-14 days after exposure Modes of Transmission: Airborne transmission through respiratory droplets. Contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears. 6. HEPATITIS A  Causes: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) Symptoms: fatigue,nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Modes of Transmission: Fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water. Close contact with an infected person. 7. NOROVIRUS Causes: Norovirus (a group of viruses) Symptoms: sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain Modes of Transmission: Contaminated food or water. Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Close contact with infected individuals. Emergence and Resurgence of Communicable Diseases Globalization refers to the increased interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through trade, travel, and communication. Example: A traveler infected with a virus can introduce it to a new region, leading to outbreaks. Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. Changing ecosystems- altered weather patterns can expand the habitats of vectors (mosquitoes) Extreme weather events- flooding can contaminate water supplies, facilitating the spread of waterborne diseases. Food security- climate change can affect agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages. Ex. Malnutrition Public health infrastructure includes the systems, organizations, and resources that support health promotion and disease prevention within communities. Access to healthcare- areas with limited access to healthcare are more vulnerable to outbreaks. Vaccination Programs- weak vaccination programs can lead to lower immunity levels in populations, allowing diseases to resurge. Education and Awareness- lack of awareness can result in risky behaviors that facilitate disease transmission. TOPIC: Contemporary Outbreaks and Their Impact on Public Health Understanding the historical and contemporary outbreaks of infectious diseases is crucial for public health professionals. These outbreaks provide valuable lessons on disease transmission, prevention strategies, and the societal impacts of public health crises. Overview: The Black Death, also known as the Bubonic Plague, was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, occurring in the 14th century. Time Period: The Black Death swept through Europe from 1347 to 1351. Cause: The disease was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is typically transmitted to humans through fleas that infest rats. Origin: It is believed to have originated in Central Asia and spread along trade routes, particularly the Silk Road. Transmission: The plague spread through: Flea bites: Infected fleas would bite humans. Direct contact: Handling infected animals or humans. Airborne transmission: In cases of pneumonic plague, it could spread through respiratory droplets. Impact: Death Toll: Estimates suggest that the Black Death killed between 25 million and 50 million people in Europe, roughly 30-60% of the population. Social Effects: The pandemic led to significant social upheaval, including: Labor shortages, which increased wages for workers. A decline in the feudal system due to the reduced workforce. Widespread fear and paranoia, leading to scapegoating of various groups, including Jews. Symptoms: Bubonic Plague: Characterized by swollen lymph nodes (buboes), fever, chills, and weakness. Pneumonic Plague: Affects the lungs, causing severe respiratory issues and can spread from person to person. Septicemic Plague: A more severe form that can cause sepsis and is often fatal if untreated. Responses: Public Health Measures: Quarantine measures were implemented in some areas, including isolation of the sick and restrictions on movement. Religious Responses: Many turned to religion for explanations, leading to increased fervor and sometimes violent reactions against perceived sinners. Long-term Effects Cultural Changes: The Black Death influenced art, literature, and philosophy, leading to a focus on mortality and the human condition. Medical Advancements: It prompted developments in public health and medical understanding of infectious diseases. Overview: The Spanish flu pandemic infected about one-third of the world’s population and caused an estimated 50 million deaths globally. Time Period: The pandemic occurred from 1918 to 1919, with three distinct waves. Cause: It was caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus. Origin: The exact origin is unclear, but it is believed to have started in birds and then infected humans. Some reports suggest it may have begun in the United States. Transmission: The virus spread rapidly through respiratory droplets when infected individuals coughed or sneezed. Crowded conditions during World War I facilitated its spread. Death Toll: Estimates of deaths range from 50 million to 100 million worldwide, affecting about one-third of the global population. Affected Demographics: Unlike typical influenza strains, which primarily affect the very young and elderly, the Spanish Flu had a high mortality rate among healthy young adults aged 20-40. Common Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Severe Cases: Some patients developed pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure and death. The rapid progression of symptoms was notable. Public Health Measures: Governments implemented various measures, including: Quarantine and isolation of the sick. Closure of schools, theaters, and public gatherings. Promotion of mask-wearing in public spaces. Long-term Effects Public Health Infrastructure: The pandemic highlighted the need for improved public health systems and disease surveillance. Vaccination Development: It spurred research into vaccines and antiviral medications for influenza. Overview: SARS Caused by the SARS-CoV virus, this outbreak originated in China and spread to 26 countries, resulting in 774 deaths. Time Period: Initial Outbreak: The SARS outbreak began in late 2002 and continued into 2003. Cause: Virus: The outbreak was caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV), a novel virus that was first identified in Guangdong province, China. Transmission: SARS-CoV primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughed or sneezed. It could also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Animal Reservoir: The virus is believed to have originated in bats and was transmitted to humans via civet cats, which are considered a delicacy in some regions. Impact Global Cases: There were approximately 8,098 reported cases worldwide. Death Toll: The outbreak resulted in 774 deaths, leading to a mortality rate of about 9.6%. Affected Regions: The outbreak spread to several countries, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada, and others. Symptoms Common Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Severe Cases: Some patients developed pneumonia and required hospitalization, with complications leading to death. Responses Public Health Measures: Quarantine and isolation of infected individuals. Travel restrictions and screening at airports. Public awareness campaigns about hygiene and infection control. International Cooperation: The World Health Organization (WHO) played a crucial role in coordinating responses and sharing information globally. Long-term Effects: Public Health Infrastructure: The SARS outbreak highlighted the importance of global surveillance and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. Research and Preparedness: It led to increased research into coronaviruses and the development of better preparedness plans for future outbreaks. Initial Outbreak: The H1N1 influenza pandemic, commonly known as the swine flu pandemic, began in April 2009 and lasted until August 2010. Cause Virus: The pandemic was caused by a new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus, which was a combination of swine, avian, and human flu viruses. Transmission: The H1N1 virus spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughed, sneezed, or talked. It could also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces. Impact Global Cases: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that between 1.4 billion and 2 billion people were infected worldwide. Death Toll: Estimates of deaths range from 151,700 to 575,400 globally, with a mortality rate lower than that of seasonal flu. Common Symptoms: Similar to seasonal flu, symptoms included fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Severe Cases: Some individuals, particularly those with underlying health conditions, experienced severe respiratory illness and complications. Responses Public Health Measures: Vaccination campaigns were launched in many countries, with a vaccine developed specifically for the H1N1 strain. Public health advisories promoted hygiene practices, such as handwashing and respiratory etiquette. International Cooperation: The WHO declared the pandemic on June 11, 2009, coordinating global responses and sharing information. Long-term Effects Vaccine Development: The pandemic accelerated research and development of flu vaccines and improved preparedness for future influenza outbreaks. Public Health Policy: It highlighted the importance of global surveillance and response systems for emerging infectious diseases. GOOD LUCK AND SOAR HIGH!