Transcript How we protect ourselves from Pathogens

Introduction
 There are many ways we protect ourselves from
pathogens.
 The majority of these ways are preventative (or
proactive) measures which thwart a pathogen from
getting a foothold and making us ill.
 It is different when a pathogen is already making us ill.
 Those methods are reactionary measures which kill off
a pathogen that is already doing damage.
Vaccines
 Vaccines are a
preventative measure
against viruses.
 They are (usually)
injected into a person’s
bloodstream in order to
make the immune
system aware of a
potential invader.
Vaccines
 Vaccines are made in
many different ways.
 They are usually dead or
weakened versions of the
virus, but can be viral
proteins or other parts of
the virus that our
immune system sees as
an invader.
Germ Fighters
 Center for Disease Control
says the best way to prevent
germs from spreading is to
wash your hands with soap
and water. If they are not
available, use a hand
sanitizer.
Germ Fighters
 Germ fighters or sanitizers
are liquids that have over
60% alcohol in them.
 The alcohol of choice is
either isopropyl or ethanol.
 Alcohol kills most bacteria,
virus and fungi.
 Anthrax and C. difficile,
however, are resistant to
alcohol.
Antibiotics
 Antibiotics are a
reactionary measure to
a bacterial infection.
 Since we have billions
of helpful bacteria
associated with our
bodies, antibiotics are
not used as a
preventative measure.
Antibiotics
 Overuse (and misuse)
of antibiotics has lead
to many different types
of resistant bacteria
(i.e. MRSA).
 The active ingredient
in most antibiotics is
actually a fungus.
Antifungals
 Antifungals are a
reactionary measure to a
fungal infection.
 They are usually a cream or
ointment since fungal
infections are exterior.
 They work by exploiting
the difference between
fungal cells and animal
cells.
 There are antifungal agents
in many of our sanitary
supplies (i.e. zinc
pyrithione in shampoos).
Insect Repellent
 An insect repellent is a
substance applied to the skin
(or other surface) that deters
insects from landing there.
 They help prevent the spread
of insect-borne pathogens.
 Synthetic repellents are more
effective than natural ones,
with any containing DEET
(chemical structure on the
right) being among the best.
Protective Devices
 There are lots of protective devices that are used in
order to protect ourselves from infection by pathogen.
 Here are some examples (This is where you give the
supply teacher some examples and he/she writes them
in this space on the smartboard!):
Sanitary Practices
 The best way to be
proactive towards
pathogens is to practice
good sanitary techniques
like hand washing, food
washing, cleaning up after
yourself and your pets,
etc…
 Pathogens love mess and
disorder, so eliminating
potential mess eliminates
potential pathogen hang
outs.
Homework
1) What is the difference between a preventative
measure and a reactionary measure? Give an
example of each showing the difference.
2) What is the difference between a vaccine and an
antibiotic?
3) Bruno gets a cut while watching Monday Night
Football. He pours beer over it because he heard the
alcohol will kill any potential pathogens. Is he
correct? Why or why not?
4) What areas of Holy Cross do you feel are potential
germ incubators? Why?