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Air Borne Diseases - SS2 Biology Lesson Note

Airborne diseases are infections that can be transmitted through the air by respiratory droplets or small particles containing infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These pathogens can be expelled into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, and can then be inhaled by another person, leading to the spread of the disease.

Here are eight examples of airborne diseases, along with their symptoms, pathogens, and treatment options:

1.       Influenza (Flu):

Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue.

Pathogen: Influenza virus (multiple strains, such as H1N1, H3N2).

Treatment: Rest, fluid intake, over-the-counter pain relievers, antiviral medications.

2.       Tuberculosis (TB):

Symptoms: Persistent cough (often with blood), chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats.

Pathogen: Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Treatment: Combination of antibiotics for several months under medical supervision.

3.       Measles:

Symptoms: High fever, rash, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, Koplik's spots (small white spots in the mouth).

Pathogen: Measles virus.

Treatment: Supportive care, vitamin A supplementation, prevention through vaccination.

4.       Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Symptoms: Severe coughing fits, followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound during inhalation, runny nose, low-grade fever.

Pathogen: Bordetella pertussis.

Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive care, vaccination for prevention.

5.       Legionnaires' Disease:

Symptoms: High fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache, pneumonia-like symptoms.

Pathogen: Legionella pneumophila (bacteria).

Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive care.

6.       Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS):

Symptoms: High fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, pneumonia.

Pathogen: SARS coronavirus.

Treatment: Supportive care, antiviral medications, infection control measures.

7.       COVID-19:

Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle, or body aches.

Pathogen: SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Treatment: Supportive care, antiviral medications (in severe cases), vaccination.

8.       Meningococcal Meningitis:

Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion.

Pathogen: Neisseria meningitidis (bacteria).

Treatment: Antibiotics, hospitalization, vaccination for prevention.

It is important to note that the treatment options mentioned above are general guidelines and may vary depending on the severity of the disease and individual patient conditions. Seeking medical advice and following recommended preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, wearing masks, and vaccination, are crucial in reducing the spread of airborne diseases.

Recommended: Questions and Answers on Microorganisms In Action for SS2 Biology
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