Vaccines, antibiotics, first aid and simple home treatments that help us stay well and recover.
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A vaccine contains dead or weakened germs, or parts of them, that cannot cause the disease but make the body produce antibodies and memory cells. If the real germ arrives later, the body responds quickly. Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine (against smallpox) in 1796. Common vaccines: BCG (tuberculosis), DPT (diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus), polio, measles and hepatitis B. A booster dose strengthens the memory. Passive immunity comes from ready-made antibodies, as a baby gets from mother's milk or as in an antivenom injection.
Why does a vaccine not cause the disease?
It has dead or weakened germs, or only parts of them, which cannot multiply enough to cause illness.
Why is a booster dose given?
It raises the level of memory cells and antibodies, making protection stronger and longer lasting.
Who developed the first vaccine and for which disease?
Edward Jenner, for smallpox.
Antibiotics such as penicillin kill bacteria or stop them multiplying; they do not work on viruses, so they are useless against a cold or influenza. They must be taken only as prescribed and the course completed; misuse makes bacteria resistant. In diarrhoea the body loses water and salts, and oral rehydration solution (ORS) replaces them. The standard home recipe is 6 level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of clean water; ready-made ORS packets, mixed as printed, are preferable when available.
ORS uses 6 teaspoons of sugar and 0.5 teaspoon of salt per litre. How much is needed for one 250 mL glass?
Sugar 6 × 0.25 = 1.5 teaspoons; salt 0.5 × 0.25 = 0.125 teaspoon.
Why is it wrong to take antibiotics for a cold?
A cold is caused by a virus, which antibiotics do not affect; unnecessary use also encourages resistant bacteria.
Why is ORS given in diarrhoea?
It replaces the water and salts lost from the body and prevents dehydration.
First aid is the immediate help given to an injured person before a doctor arrives. Cuts: wash with clean water, apply an antiseptic and cover with a clean dressing; press firmly to stop bleeding. Minor burns: hold under cool running water for several minutes and do not apply butter or burst blisters. Fracture: keep the limb still with a splint and do not move the person unnecessarily. Fainting: lay the person down with legs raised. Always call for medical help in a serious case.
What is first aid?
Immediate help given to a sick or injured person before proper medical care is available.
A child gets a minor burn on the hand. What is the first step?
Hold the burn under cool running water for several minutes; do not use butter or ointments and do not burst blisters.
Why is a fractured limb kept still with a splint?
To stop the broken bone ends from moving and causing more damage and pain.
1. What is a vaccine?
2. Name the vaccine used against tuberculosis.
3. What does DPT protect against?
4. What are antibiotics? Give one example.
5. Why must an antibiotic course be completed?
6. What does ORS stand for and what is it used for?
7. How much sugar is needed for 2 litres of ORS at 6 teaspoons per litre?
8. What is the first aid for a nose bleed?
9. What is passive immunity? Give an example.
10. Why should a first-aider not give medicines or drinks to an unconscious person?