Viral Diseases How do vaccines work?
How do viruses enter our body? Must first pass through skin Can enter mucous membranes or cuts Makes its way to target cell
Examples of Viral Infections Common cold – infects mucous membranes
Examples of Viral Infections Influenza Can jump between species Proteins on surface change rapidly requiring new vaccines every year
Examples of Viral Infections HIV Retrovirus – contains RNA and uses it to make an DNA copy Lysogenic infection
Vaccines prevent viral infections Viral infections can lead to epidemics or pandemics Epidemic – rapid outbreak affecting many people in localized area Pandemic – rapid outbreak across many areas Vaccines are used to stop the spread of the disease Made from same virus they are protecting against, but it is a weakened version Immune system recognizes and reacts upon re- exposure