Preventing the Spread of Disease

In this lesson, you will Learn About…

How to protect yourself from pathogens.

How to avoid spreading pathogens to others

when you are sick.

Habits that can help you stay healthy.

Preventing the Spread of Disease

The Vocabulary term in this lesson is:

Hygiene.

Stop Pathogens from Spreading

Although you cannot see the pathogens that surround you, you can defend yourself against them.

Good personal hygiene and other healthful habits can help you stay well.

Keeping your environment clean is also an important part of preventing the spread of pathogens.

Protect Yourself

Avoid taking risks with your health. Here are some guidelines to protect yourself:

Avoid close contact with people who are ill, especially during the contagious period of a disease.

Do not share eating utensils, dishes, glasses, bottles, or cans.

Wash your hands often, especially when you have been around someone with a contagious disease.

Handwashing

Frequent handwashing will help keep pathogens from entering your body.

When to WashAlways wash your hands before handling or eatingfood.

What to UseWash with hot, soapy water. Consider buying liquid soap.

How to WashFirst, wet your hands under warm running water and apply soap. Then, rub your hands together vigorously, and scrub all surfaces for at least 15 seconds. Finally, rinse well and dry your hands, using a clean or disposable towel.

Protect Others

To avoid spreading of pathogens to others, do the following:

If you are ill, stay home from school during the contagious period of the disease, and avoid close contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and turn your head away from others. Use tissues and dispose of them properly.

Protect Others (cont’d.)

Get medical treatment if you need it. Delaying a visit to the doctor may allow your condition to worsen while increasing the chances that you will spread pathogens to others.

When you take a prescribed medication, follow the directions and your physician’s orders carefully. Take the entire cycle of prescribed medication. Do not stop taking it just because you feel better.

Encourage other people to follow wise health practices.

Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

These healthful habits are importantweapons in the fight against pathogens:

Eating a balanced diet. Participating in regular physical activity. Getting enough rest. Bathing or showering daily. Avoiding harmful behaviors such as using

tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.

Develop a Healthy Lifestyle (cont’d.)

You can do even more to help your body stay healthy:

When you are sick, avoid strenuous activity. Be sure that you are immunized against

diseases for which a vaccine exists. Learn to manage stress. Get regular health screenings.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

1. Define the term hygiene.

Hygiene means cleanliness.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

2. List three ways to protect yourself against communicable diseases.

Avoid close contact with people who are ill. Do not share eating utensils, dishes, glasses,

bottles, or cans. Wash your hands often.

Thinking Critically

3. Why do you think it is important to wash your hands after playing with a pet?

Chapter Review

Reviewing Terms and Facts

1. _____ are organisms that are so small

that they can be seen only through a

microscope.

Germs

Reviewing Terms and Facts

2. The ______________ is a secondary

circulatory system that helps the body

fight pathogens and maintain its fluid

balance.

lymphatic system

Reviewing Terms and Facts

3. Yellowing of the skin and the whites of

the eyes is a sign of

influenza. mononucleosis. hepatitis. strep throat.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

3. Yellowing of the skin and the whites of

the eyes is a sign of

influenza. mononucleosis. hepatitis. strep throat.

Reviewing Terms and Facts

4. Chlamydia is an STD that may affect

the reproductive organs, urethra, and

anus.

A. TrueB. False

Reviewing Terms and Facts

4. Chlamydia is an STD that may affect

the reproductive organs, urethra, and

anus.

A. TrueB. False

Reviewing Terms and Facts

5. It is important to avoid contact with

others during the contagious period of a

disease.

A. TrueB. False

Reviewing Terms and Facts

5. It is important to avoid contact with

others during the contagious period of a

disease.

A. TrueB. False

Thinking Critically

6. How can understanding the ways in

which pathogens are spread help people

stay healthy?

Thinking Critically

7. Explain how lymph, the lymph nodes,

and lymphocyte work within the

lymphatic system to fight against

specific pathogens.

Thinking Critically

8. The following diseases are caused by

pathogens: a cold, the flu,

mononucleosis, and TB. What are the

risks for contracting each disease?

Thinking Critically

9. Why do you think people often postpone

seeing a doctor if they think that they

might have an STD?

Thinking Critically

10.A friend tells you that she’s planning

to go to school even though she has

the flu. What would you tell her?

Vocabulary Review

Hygiene means cleanliness.