Infectious diseases are diseases that can be spread or transmitted from one organism to another.
Non – infectious diseases cannot, be spread from one person to another.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are generally caused by microbes known as pathogens. Pathogens invade the host and can cause changes in the body that stop parts, or all, of the body working correctly. Pathogens contain antigens that are made of proteins or polysaccharides. The bodies immune system reacts to these antigens to try to attack the pathogen and protect the body.
The most common pathogens include viruses and bacteria. Other pathogens include worms, fungi and lice.
Bacteria
Bacteria are small, single …show more content…
Explain why metastases make it difficult to treat cancer it is when cancerous cells find their way into the circulatory or lymph systems and travel to other parts of the body. This is then hard to treat once secondary cancer sites develop.
Drugs, alcohol, smoking and disease a drug is any substance that has the ability to alter a persons body chemistry. Psychoactive drugs are these that alter mood. Drug use may be necessary to help in some diseases and is normally taken in a controlled does to limit side effects. Drug abuse is when a drug is used in a negative way. Some use drugs as a so called ‘’recreation’’ without understanding the potential hazards damage they cause in the body.
Alcohol and smoking cigarettes are common drugs that are freely available in Australian society but also caused significant damage to individuals and society. Approximately 7% of male deaths, 4% of female deaths can be attributed to alcohol. Alcohol is a ‘depressant’ which means it slows down the nervous system. The effects of alcohol are dependant on the amount consumed.
Small amount – warm, sense of wellbeing
Moderate amount – slowed thinking, slurred speech
Large amount – loss of consciousness