Epidemic
What is an epidemic?
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a specific community or region.
What is an antigen?
A substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies.
What is the main job of an antibody?
To identify and neutralize antigens.
What does it mean to be immune?
You’ve developed protection against a disease.
In which animals did the 2009 Swine Flu originate?
Pigs (but it also contained genes from birds and humans).
Do antigens belong to the body or come from outside?
They come from outside—usually from pathogens like viruses or bacteria.
Which immune cells create antibodies?
B cells.
What is genetic resistance?
Natural protection from a disease based on inherited traits.
Which virus caused a major outbreak in 2002–2003, especially in Asia, and spreads through respiratory droplets?
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
True or False: Every antigen causes the same immune response.
False. Different antigens trigger different responses.
Can antibodies be passed from one person to another? How?
Yes, through breast milk or blood (e.g. during pregnancy or via transfusion).
Give an example of genetic resistance.
Some people are genetically resistant to malaria due to the sickle cell trait.
Bird Flu is also known as what? How can it infect humans?
Avian influenza; by close contact with infected birds.
How does the body recognize an antigen?
Through special receptors on immune cells.
What is the relationship between vaccines and antibodies?
Vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies against specific diseases.
Can you become immune without getting sick?
Yes—through vaccination.
Compare how Bird Flu, Swine Flu, and SARS spread. What do they have in common?
They are zoonotic (spread from animals), can be transmitted between humans (some more easily than others), and were accelerated by global travel.
What would happen if the body failed to recognize an antigen?
The body would not fight the infection effectively.
Why do some people have stronger antibody responses than others?
It depends on factors like genetics, previous exposure, and health.
How are immunity and genetic resistance different in terms of how they are gained?
Immunity is acquired (e.g. infection or vaccine); genetic resistance is inherited.