Sheila M. Martin-Corbin
(adapted from www.seplessons.org/node/226)
A
disease
is any change that disrupts the normal functions of the body. It may be caused by factors originally from an external source, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases. Diseases usually affect people not only physically, but also emotionally, and can alter one's perspective on life, and one's personality. For example, a traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident or a mother's exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant can increase her risk of being in a mental state of mind. This condition can impact one's thinking, feeling or even one's mood and prevents the body or mind from working normally. A combination of various causes, such as a genetic defect (internal) or environmental stress (external) can influence one's health condition. As students become more informed of the causes, symptoms and effects of infectious diseases, they will hopefully practice precautionary measures to avoid or delay the onset of such diseases.
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; these diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Unfortunately, harmful microscopic pathogens can be easily transmitted into our bodies through our respiratory system thereby making a person quite vulnerable to become infected with the germ.
Pathogens causing diseases can infect the body and can spread via indirect or direct contact.