Fighting Disease

“Fighting Disease” Revision Guide:

  1. Understand the body’s 3-line defence system against pathogens which are:
    • Primary Defence: Includes skin, cilia, mucus, and stomach acid.
    • Secondary Defence: Pertains to the white blood cells and their mechanism to encapsulate and destroy infectious agents.
    • Tertiary Defence: Incorporates the immune system’s capacity to produce specific antibodies to combat pathogens.
  2. Comprehend the nature of the immune system’s work:
    • The immune system responds to antigens on pathogens by producing specific antibodies.
    • Memory cells remain in the bloodstream and can trigger a fast response to future infections.
  3. Learn about vaccination and its importance:
    • Vaccinations introduce a small, safe form of the antigen into the body.
    • This triggers the production of antibodies.
    • Memory cells will remain in case of future exposure to the pathogen.
  4. Recognise the use of drugs to treat infections:
    • Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria or hinder their growth, but they have no effect on viruses.
    • Painkillers are used to relieve symptoms of diseases but do not kill pathogens.
  5. Familiarise yourself with drug testing and development:
    • Drugs are tested in a series of stages, including pre-clinical (animal testing, etc.) and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
    • Double-blind trials are used to eliminate bias, where neither the patient nor the doctor knows who is receiving the treatment or the placebo.
  6. Be aware of the issue of antibiotic resistance:
    • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
    • This is a significant global health concern, with fewer effective treatment options available for common bacterial infections.

  7. Remember that a balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise can boost the immune system, reducing the chance of falling ill.

  8. Know that the body also possesses non-specific defence mechanisms like inflammation and fever to further protect against pathogens.

  9. Understand the role of both public and personal hygiene in disease prevention including regular hand washing and immunizations.

  10. Recognise that some diseases are genetic and cannot be prevented and require different treatment approaches.