DISEASES CASE STUDIES

Alana W.

INFLUENZA

Infectious Disease

Cause and transmission

Influenza is caused by a virus which attacks the body’s cells

The virus mutates often and new strains arise. Unfortunately immunity against one strain does not protect against other strains.

Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways: By direct contact with infected individuals By contact with contaminated objects By inhalation of virus-laden aerosols

Symptoms

High fever Severe aches and pains (often in the

back and muscles) Severe headache Cough Intermittent sweating and shivering Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea

Treatment

For most people it is best to treat the symptoms of influenza and await natural recovery. Take symptom relief eg. paracetamol or aspirin

to help with fever and aches and painsThere are now three influenza treatments licensed for use in the UK: Amantadine, taken by mouth Oseltamivir, taken by mouth Zanamivir, a powder that is inhaled

Prevention

There are many influenza viruses. Only one or two tend to reach epidemic proportions each year. By monitoring the progress of these worldwide, the World Health Organisation decide on the best mixture of influenza types to be included in that year’s vaccine.It is advised that people at high risk of infection are vaccinated yearly.

Incidence

Influenza is more common during winter, peaking in August as shown in this map.

Incidence

Influenza is most common in children younger than 5 and adults aged 65+, as shown in this map from Western Australia

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Non-infectious Disease

Causes

The exact cause of anorexia remains unclear. However, there are links between becoming anorexic and: Deep anxiety Unhappiness Low self-esteem

Symptoms

Lowered resistance to illnesses

Physical weakness Extreme weight loss Dizzy spells and

fainting Women stop having

monthly periods Constipation and

abdominal pain Swollen stomach, face

and ankles Downy hair on the body Poor blood circulation

Feeling cold Loss of bone mass Osteoporosis Infertility Depression Distorted body image Personality changes Inability to concentrate

Treatment

Most anorexics go into hospital when they become extremely ill. Here, the first goal of treatment is to increase and stabilise their weight.

Behaviour therapy – encouraging the person to eat by giving privileges (eg. telephone calls, visits, watching TV) for eating.

Keeping a diary recording food intake, activity and thoughts and feelings. This may uncover deeper emotional problems.

Therapy

Prevention

There is no certain method of preventing anorexia.

Parents should ensure that their daughters have a healthy attitude about themselves, their bodies and their diets.

It is important to watch for early signs of eating disorders.

Incidence

Anorexia mostly afflicts young women.

http://www.medinfo.co.uk/conditions/influenza.htmlhttp://www.who.int/influenzaEating disorders : detection & treatment by: Bulik, CynthiaDiseases Vol. 1

Books/ websites used