Identify the appropriate methods of prevention and control for a series of infectious and non-infectious diseases

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Viktoria Robins                                  Public Health, Unit 12

Select a series of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Identify the appropriate methods of prevention and control. M3

Cystic Fibrosis—UK’s most life-threatening disease. Affects 7,500 people and over 2 million people carry the gene that causes it. If 2 carriers have a child, the baby has a 1:4 chance.

Communicable/Non-communicable: Non-communicable.

Mode of spread: Cystic fibrosis can’t be spread, as it isn’t a communicable disease.

The exact cause of CF is a single faulty gene found on chromosome 7, which controls salt and water movement in and out of cells within the body. To develop CF a baby has to inherit the faulty gene from both parents.

Prevention/Control: As yet there's no cure for CF or any way of preventing it. However, since the faulty gene has been identified, much work and research is being done to try to find ways to either repair or replace this gene through gene therapy.

Treatment can help people to live with cystic fibrosis. It can also prevent or reduce long-term damage from infection and other complications.

High-energy foods, enzyme supplements, and vitamin and mineral supplements help a person with CF to get the nutrients they need. Regular exercise is important to keep the body fit and healthy. Daily physiotherapy and breathing exercises help to keep the body healthy and to prevent excessive build up of mucus in the lungs.

Antibiotics and other medicines are used to control lung infections and inflammation. If respiratory failure occurs, a lung transplant may be necessary.

Sickle-Cell Anaemia—A disorder, which affects haemoglobin in red blood cells (HbS)—chronic anaemia.

Communicable/Non-communicable: Non-communicable.

Mode of spread: Sickle-cell anaemia can’t be spread, as it isn’t a communicable disease. Everyone has two copies of the haemoglobin gene, one from each parent. Those with sickle cell anaemia have two HbS genes.

Prevention/Control: It’s important for sickle cell patients to try to keep healthy.

They need to maintain a good diet, supplements of folic acid, vitamin D and zinc, avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Vaccination against infections such as flu, meningitis and Hepatitis B will all help reduce the risk of a crisis. Some patients are given long-term antibiotics and it’s also recommended to avoid:

  • Constricting garments
  • Overexertion
  • Dehydration
  • Cold temperatures

There's no cure for sickle cell anaemia, but avoiding the triggers of the crisis can reduce the frequency/severity of them and their complications.

Transplants offer a possible cure by providing a source of normal blood-making cells. However, they must be done very early in the disease, before the condition damages vital organs.

Thalassemia—Genetic blood disorder (where both parents carry the gene there is a 1:4 chance) Extensive medical treatment including monthly blood transfusion and continuous injections at night at home.

Communicable/Non-communicable: Non-communicable.

Mode of spread: Thalassemia can’t be spread, as it isn’t a communicable disease.

Thalassemia is an inherited disorder, which causes the body to make fewer healthy red blood cells and less haemoglobin than normal. People who have thalassemia can have mild or severe anaemia.

Prevention/Control: Thalassemia can't be prevented as it’s inherited. However, this disorder can be found before birth through prenatal tests. Family genetic studies may help find out whether people have missing or altered haemoglobin genes that cause thalassemia. Therefore, if you know of family members who have thalassemia and you're thinking of having children, you can consider talking with your doctor and/or a genetic counsellor. They can then help determine your risk for passing on the disorder to your child.

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The three main treatments for thalassemia include:

Blood Transfusions—transfusions of red blood cells are the main treatment for people who have moderate or severe thalassemia. A blood transfusion, given through a needle in a vein, gives you healthy red blood cells with normal haemoglobin.  

Iron Chelation Therapy—because the haemoglobin in red blood cells is an iron-rich protein, regular blood transfusions can lead to a build-up of iron in the blood. This condition is called iron overload. It damages the liver, heart, and other parts of the body. To prevent this damage, iron chelation therapy is needed to remove ...

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