Chain of Infection
The term for an organism or substance that causes disease?
Pathogen
True or False: All bacteria are harmful. Explain briefly.
False — many are helpful or harmless; some cause disease.
What is a virus: a cell or something smaller than a cell?
Something smaller than a cell (non-cellular).
Give one example of a fungus
Mushroom or mold or yeast.
What does "standard precautions" help prevent in schools and hospitals?
Prevent spread of infection/germs.
Name the four main links in the chain of infection.
Source (reservoir), Portal of exit, Mode of transmission, Portal of entry / Susceptible host.
Name one disease caused by bacteria that kids might learn about (example: strep throat).
Strep throat (or ear infection, food poisoning).
How do viruses usually enter the body? Give one common route.
Through nose, mouth, eyes (droplets), or direct contact.
Where can fungi commonly be found
Outdoors and indoors / on decaying matter (or "in soil" / "on skin")
How long should you wash your hands (in seconds) according to health guidelines?
At least 20 seconds.
The chain of infection is a place where germs live and multiply
Reservoir
What tool do scientists use to see bacteria because they are too small to see with the eye?
Microscope.
Why don't antibiotics work against viruses?
Because antibiotics target bacteria structures/processes, not viruses.
Name one fungal infection that can affect skin or nails.
Athlete’s foot or ringworm or nail fungus.
When should you wash your hands? Give two situations
Before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing/sneezing, after touching animals, after playing outside. (Any two.)
One example of how a pathogen can be transmitted from one person to another.
direct contact (touch), airborne (cough/sneeze), touching contaminated surfaces, contaminated food/water.
Describe one way to kill or stop the growth of bacteria on surfaces.
Clean with disinfectant, use antibacterial soap or heat (e.g., proper cooking), or sanitizing surfaces.
Name one common illness caused by a virus.
Common cold, flu, chickenpox.
How are fungal infections usually treated (general type of medicine)?
Antifungal medicine.
Name one personal protective item used as part of standard precautions
Gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection
One way to break the chain of infection at the "mode of transmission" link.
mask or cover coughs to reduce droplets (mode of transmission); disinfect surfaces; handwashing to stop spread
Are bacteria living or nonliving?
Living.
Explain how vaccines help protect people from some viruses in one or two sentences.
Vaccines teach the immune system to recognize a virus so the body can fight it faster and prevent illness.
Explain one way to prevent fungal infections in places like locker rooms or pools.
Keep skin dry, wear sandals in locker rooms, change wet clothes, dry shoes—these reduce fungal growth.
Describe the correct sequence of all main steps for handwashing
Wet hands, apply soap, lather and scrub all parts for 20 seconds, rinse, dry with a clean towel or air dry.