Infectious Diseases

In my introduction to athletic training class we have begun talking about infectious diseases and blood borne pathogens. Just like many other people I did not know a whole lot on the topic and found it to be very interesting and informative. Maybe that is why I am interested in the field of athletic training...? Anyways an athletic trainer must be aware of and take universal precautions against the spread of infectious disease and blood borne pathogens. Now I will present some of the information I learned in class.

Examples of infectious diseases:
-Aids (Viral infectious disease)
-Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E (Viral infectious disease)
-MRSA infection (Bacterial infectious disease)
-Pinworm infection (Parasitic infectious disease)
-Tinea pedis (Fungal infectious disease)

Infectious Diseases:
-The invasion or infection of a host (person/animal) by a microorganism called pathogens 
-Pathogens - Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that cause disease by
1) disrupting a vital body process
2) stimulating the immune system to mount a defensive reaction

Transmission of infectious diseases:
Direct transmission
-Contact between body surfaces: touching, sexual intercourse
-Droplet spread: inhalation of contaminated air droplets from someone who sneezes in close proximity
-Fecal-oral spread: feces on the host's hands are brought into contact with the new host's mouth
Indirect Transmission
-Water, food, towels, clothing, and eating utensils
-By vectors (living things): insects, birds, or animals 
-Airborne transmission: sharing air with infected people


Five Stages of Infection:
1) Incubation - from the time a pathogen enters the body until it multiplies to the point where signs and symptoms of a disease begin to appear
2) Prodromal - a variety of signs and symptoms may develop
3) Acute - the disease reaches its greatest development
               -  the likelihood of transmitting the disease to others is highest
4) Decline - the first signs of recovery appear
5) Recovery - apparent recovery from the invading pathogen
                     - the patient is susceptible to other pathogens

Hope you found this information to be rather interesting. This is a topic that pertains to more than just athletic training. This information can be used to keep you healthy throughout your daily life. And to all the athletes out there who shower after practice and games, make sure to bring your towels home every week to wash. Wouldn't want you to get invaded by an infectious disease!

 

Works Cited

McClaskey, D. "The Relevance of Athletic Training to Public Health." International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training 17.3 (2012): 1-6. ProQuest. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. 

Blood-Borne Pathogens: Guidelines for Athletic Trainers. 30 Vol. , 1995. ProQuest. Web. 30 Apr. 2013.