Mr. C’s Joke/Riddle of the DayQ: How did the pig get to Mexico?

Mr. C’s Joke/Riddle of the DayQ: How did the pig get to Mexico?

A: The “Swine” flu

IntroductionThere are many ways we protect ourselves

from pathogens.

IntroductionThe majority of these ways are preventative

(or proactive) measures which thwart a pathogen from getting a foothold and making us ill.

IntroductionIt 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.

VaccinesVaccines 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.

VaccinesVaccines 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.

How are Vaccines Made?http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=nncPtxLCPrE

AntibioticsAntibiotics 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.

AntibioticsOveruse (and

misuse) of antibiotics has lead to many different types of resistant bacteria (i.e. MRSA- Staph).

The active ingredient in most antibiotics is actually a fungus.

Recap between Antibiotics and Vaccines

Vaccines = viruses

Antibiotics = bacteria

Germ FightersCenter 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 FightersGerm 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.

AntifungalsAntifungals 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 RepellentAn 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

Protective DevicesThere are lots of protective devices that are

used in order to protect ourselves from infection by pathogen.

Examples??

Sanitary PracticesBe proactive!!!

hand washing, food washing, cleaning up after yourself and your pets, etc…

Pathogens love mess and disorder,

Potential Other Possibilitieshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=kcwBH_Uevxo

Homework1) 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?