Preventing Infectious Disease

1. Immunity Immunity is the body’s ability to destroy pathogens before they can cause disease A person has active immunity when their own immune system produces antibodies to respond to a pathogen

2. Active Immunity Active immunity occurs when a person gets the disease or a vaccination T cells and B cells in the immune system can remember the pathogen’s antigen and prevent the person from getting the disease again Vaccinations or immunizations prevent the person from getting the disease

3. Getting Sick Antibiotics are medications that can treat bacterial infections. They do not work on viruses Vaccinations must be given before a person is exposed to the pathogen Viral illnesses can not be treated with medications

4. Passive Immunity When antibodies are given to a person rather than the person making them on their own, they have passive immunity Passive immunity is given –When a rare disease is contracted (Rabies) –To newborn babies from their mother

Noninfectious Diseases

5. Allergies Occur when the immune system is overly sensitive –Allergens cause allergies Histamines are chemicals released by the body in response to allergens –Antihistamines treat allergies

6. Diabetes A noninfectious disease that is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin –Type I diabetes develops in childhood and is controlled by insulin –Type II diabetes develops during adulthood and is controlled by diet