Health: It’s not just the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Disease Types:
Infectious Diseases: Caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans).
Non-infectious Diseases: Not caused by pathogens (e.g., genetic disorders, lifestyle diseases).
Common Diseases in Humans:
Bacterial: Typhoid, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis (TB), Diphtheria, Leprosy.
Viral: AIDS, Influenza, Rabies, Hepatitis.
Protozoan: Malaria, Kala-azar, Sleeping sickness.
Helminthic: Ascariasis, Filariasis.
Fungal: Ringworm.
Immunity:
Body’s defense mechanism against pathogens.
Innate (Non-specific) Immunity: General protection mechanisms present at birth (e.g., skin, saliva, stomach acid).
Acquired (Specific) Immunity: Developed after exposure to foreign substances. It includes:
Active Immunity: When the body is exposed to live pathogens and produces antibodies.
Passive Immunity: Readymade antibodies are directly given to protect the body.
AIDS:
Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Targets and destroys the immune system.
Transmitted through sexual contact, transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing infected needles, and from an infected mother to her child.
Cancer:
Uncontrolled growth of cells.
Caused by chemicals (carcinogens), radiation, viral oncogenes.
Types: Carcinoma, Sarcoma, Lymphoma, Leukemia.
Detection: Biopsy and X-ray imaging.
Treatment: Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.
Drugs and Alcohol Abuse:
Adverse effects on the body and behavior.
Drug addiction, physical and psychological dependence.
Harmful effects: Kidney and liver failure, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders.
Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse:
Peer pressure and desire for experimentation make adolescents more vulnerable.
Need for educational programs for awareness.
Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases:
Immunization programs.
Public health hygiene measures.
Use of antibiotics and drugs (responsible usage to prevent resistance).