Distinction assignment from BTEC Applied Science Unit 12 - diseases and infection. unit 12C includes methods available to treat infectious diseases, and why treatments may not always be available to certain individuals.
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This viral disease is communicable
meaning that it can be spread from one person to another. Viruses are a type of pathogen
that can not survive on its own and only reproduce when inside a living organism. Viruses
can not reproduce without the host. These organisms can be humans, plants or animals.
Viruses are very small which means they can only be identified under an electron
microscope. Viruses have spikes on the envelope which help to attach to other host cells.
Viruses do not have a cytoplasm or any other organelles. The genetic material is stored in
the capsid.
Different forms of treatment
One method for treating influenza is by using antiviral drugs. These drugs prevent the virus
from reproducing once inside the body (host). This form of treatment will protect you for a
short period of time whilst you are tasking it. The drug will help lower the spread of disease
as you will not be able to pass it on to others. The antiviral drugs will reduce symptoms as it
reduces the amount of time the virus is in the body. By stopping the virus from replicating, it
is easier for the immune system to fight off the pathogen before it spreads around the body.
Peramivir, baloxavir marboxil, zanamivir and oseltamivir phosphate are some examples of
different antiviral drugs that treat influenza. These drugs prevent the virus from functioning
and reproducing inside the body. This will reduce symptoms and the time the virus remains
in the body. Antiviral drugs prevent the virus from entering and infecting healthy cells by
blocking receptors. They also help boost the immune system to help protect the body. These
drugs are usually taken over a course of 5 days. Peramivir is administered in the form of an
injection, and it is injected once a day. Baloxavir is an oral medicine consumed in tablet and
liquid form. Doses can vary from person to person taking into consideration the individuals
age, and severity of symptoms. These drugs are highly effective, however, there are some
side effects caused by taking the drug. Some common side effects of this drug are skin rash,
vomiting, headaches, dry mouth and fatigue. Individuals can become resistant to different
drugs, so it is important to finish the whole prescribed course and to only take these drugs
when necessary or when prescribed. Being resistant to a drug naturally happens as you take
a drug more often. The effectiveness of the drug will slowly decrease the more it is taken.
Antiviral drugs are not affected much by resistance compared to other drugs. Antiviral drugs
are very cost effective and are readily available. They are not available over the counter
which means you can only get them if you have been prescribed them by your doctor.
Another form of treatment for influenza is vaccines. Vaccines prevent the spread of disease,
and they are the most effective and commonly used method. Vaccines work by
strengthening the immune system and making them familiar with the disease. By doing this,
if the person was to get the disease, the immune system will detect it as harmful and
automatically have a response to get rid of it. A vaccine injects a small and weak version of
the virus, which allows the immune system to make antibodies for the specific virus. The
, antibodies create a primary response next time the disease is detected in the body. For
influenza, there are two types of vaccinations: Live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) and
non-active influenza vaccine. Both these vaccines protect against influenza, however, the
LAIV contains a live version of the virus, and the non-active vaccine contains a dead version
of the influenza virus. The live version is very small and weak. This is so it does not cause
severe harm to the body but also allows for the immune system to make antibodies of the
virus. This vaccine is administered in the form of a nasal spray. The non-active vaccine is
administered by an injection. Injections are given by a needle in the arm. The live attenuated
influenza vaccine is more effective than the non-active version as those who take the LAIV
have less severe symptoms. After taking the vaccination, individuals are likely to suffer from
mild symptoms for no longer than 24 hours. Headache, swelling/pain in the arm are the
most common symptoms after taking a vaccination.
Antibiotics are unable to treat influenza as antibiotics are not effective on viral infections.
This is because viruses do not have cell walls which antibiotics normally attack when treating
bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics when suffering from influenza will contribute to
antibiotic resistance and can potentially make symptoms worse. Resting when suffering from
influenza will allow the body to fight and destroy the virus more quickly and efficiently.
Consuming lots of water will help keep you hydrated and prevent dehydration. Keeping
hydrated will help the immune system and maintain balance of any fluids lost. Putting your
head over a bowl of hot water can help relieve symptoms. By inhaling the steam, it can
unblock nasal pathways.
How different treatments work and what they cure
Antiviral
Antiretrovirals:
Antiretroviral drugs are drugs that stop viruses from replicating in the body. This lets the
immune system repair itself and stops further damage from being done. These drugs
prevent the transmission of disease from person to person. Antiretrovirals can be used to
treat HIV. The drug defends the body by stopping the virus from entering and replicating.
However, this does not cure the disease. Resistance to antiretrovirals is very common which
is why they should only be taken when necessary, and the whole course should be
completed. Other drugs can be taken alongside antiretrovirals to decrease the chance of
resistance. This is known as combination therapy. Antiretroviral drugs should be taken no
more than twice a day. They are administered in the form of tablets and should be taken as
soon as the individual has been diagnosed. In the UK, antiretrovirals are available free of
charge. The difference between antiretroviral and antiviral treatments are that antiretroviral
prevent entry into the cell, whereas antiviral treatments stop reproduction of viruses once in
the host.
Vaccination
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