B3 - Measles and HIV

What is a pathogen?

A microorganism that causes infectious disease.

Can viruses be killed by antibiotics?

No, viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics.

Name two viral diseases covered in this topic.

Measles and HIV.

What type of disease is measles?

A highly infectious viral disease.

What is usually the first symptom of measles?

A high fever (high temperature).

What symptom typically appears about three days after the fever in measles?

A red skin rash.

How is the measles virus spread?

By droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

How does a person catch measles from an infected individual?

By breathing in infected droplets.

Why is measles considered a serious disease?

Because complications can damage the breathing system or brain, and it can be fatal.

How is measles prevented in most children?

By vaccination at a young age.

What is the first symptom of HIV infection?

A flu-like illness.

How long do the initial flu-like symptoms of HIV usually last?

One or two weeks.

What happens to the immune system after the initial HIV symptoms disappear?

The virus attacks and damages the immune system cells.

What happens when the immune system becomes severely damaged by HIV?

The body cannot fight off other infections or cancer cells effectively.

What is AIDS?

The late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.

Name two infections or conditions that people with AIDS are more vulnerable to.

Tuberculosis (TB) and some cancers.

Can HIV be cured by antiretroviral drugs?

No, antiretroviral drugs do not cure HIV but stop the virus from multiplying.

What do antiretroviral drugs do for a person with HIV?

They prevent the virus from damaging the immune system and allow a normal life expectancy.

Must patients take antiretroviral drugs for a limited time or lifelong?

For the rest of their life.

How is HIV transmitted between people?

Through exchange of bodily fluids.

Name two ways HIV can be transmitted.

Unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing infected needles.

Why does sharing needles spread HIV?

Because blood containing HIV passes from one person to another through the needle.

Why is it important to know that viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics?

Because antibiotics do not work on viral infections like measles and HIV.

What is the main way measles spreads from person to person?

Airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes.

What is a common symptom shared by early HIV infection and flu?

Flu-like illness (fever, tiredness, aches).

What is the importance of vaccination against measles?

It protects children from infection and serious complications.

What happens to cells when HIV attacks the immune system?

HIV destroys the cells needed to fight infections.

What does a red skin rash indicate in measles?

It is a characteristic symptom showing the disease has progressed.

what is the measels vaccine called

MMR vaccine