MAYAPYAP Project MELC (Managing and Enhancing Learning through Contextualization)

National High School STUDENT LEARNING GUIDE IN HEALTH 8

Quarter III, Week 7

Lesson 7: Common Communicable Diseases

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

H8DD-IIIa-15: Discusses the stages of infection.

H8DD-IIIb-c-17-19: Discusses the most common communicable diseases.
(Signs and symptoms of common communicable diseases, effects of common
communicable diseases, prevention and control of common communicable
diseases)
H8DD-IIIb-c-17-19: Discusses the most common communicable diseases.
(Misconceptions, myths, and beliefs about common communicable diseases)
H8DD-IIId-e-20: Analyzes the nature of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

In this set of activities, you should:

1. analyze the stages of infection by writing the signs and symptoms under the correct stage;
2. identify the different common communicable diseases;
3. analyze the nature of emerging and re-emerging of different infectious diseases;
4. provide a brief discussion about myths and facts of Coronavirus (covid-19).

WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER

Hello Junior Explorer! How are you today? I hope you are staying healthy and safe.
Welcome to our HEALTH Class!

This learning guide will introduce you to the nature of

communicable diseases and their prevention and management. You will
discover that the spread of communicable diseases threatens the populace, so each one must
understand how to prevent their spread and learn how to manage them.

There is a very popular saying “Prevention is better than cure.” As you go along, you will notice
that the diseases you are experiencing or encountering can be prevented if you only know how to control them.
Accordingly, If you lack self-discipline, then prevention and control of diseases will be difficult to attain.
One thing is sure after learning from this unit, you will be challenged to become a catalyst for the control and
prevention of communicable diseases. Start with yourself, family, neighbor, community, and extend it to the nation. You
just need to consistently demonstrate personal responsibility and healthful practices in order to prevent and control
communicable diseases.
Our target is to let this knowledge be seen I your actions, words, and way of life. This is the best legacy you can
contribute not only to you and your family but to the whole nation. Lastly, I hope that you will enjoy going through this
guide. We always observe the signs and symptoms every time a person feels sick, in order to prevent the spread and
further developing of the infection. That person may also stay away or isolate him/herself and better to take advice from a
doctor or a physician. When a person is sick, its severity depends upon the extent of the infection.

Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not
normally present within the body. An infection may cause no symptoms and be subclinical, or it may cause symptoms and
be clinically apparent.

Direction: Look at the pictures. Try to answer the following questions:

1. What do you think are the cause of the

problem in the second picture?
2. What can you say about the person in the
picture?
3. What does the picture show?

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 The chain of infection, if we think of it as an actual chain, is made up of six different links: pathogen (infectious
agent), reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portal of entry, and the new host. Each link has a unique role in the
chain, and each can be interrupted, or broken, through various means.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F

1. Pathogen (Agent) - It is an organism with the ability to cause diseases. Infectious agents are bacteria, virus, fungi,
protozoa and parasitic worms.
2. Reservoir - is a place within which microorganisms can thrive and reproduce.
3. Portal of Exit - the mode of transmission is the method by which the organism moves from one host to another.
4. Mode of Transmission - provides a way for a microorganism to leave the reservoir.
5. Portal of Entry - an opening allowing the microorganism to enter the host.
6. Susceptible Host - a person who cannot resist a microorganism invading the body lack due to immunity of physical
resistance to overcome the invasion by the pathogenic microorganism.

How infection manifests through its various stages?

1. INCUBATION STAGE (first stage) - it is the period starting from the entry of the pathogen until
the appearance of the first sign. For example: chicken pox, it takes 2-3 weeks of incubation. For common cold, 1-2 days of
incubation, influenza takes 1-3 days, and 15-18 days for mumps.
2. PRODROMAL STAGE (second stage) - starts from the onset of non-specific signs and symptoms such as runny
nose, headache and fever.
3. ILLNESS STAGE (third stage) - Illness stage begins when more specific signs and symptoms appear. For Example,
common cold is characterized by sore throat, sinus congestion, rhinitis, mumps manifested by ear ache, high fever, and
salivary gland swelling.
4. CONVALESCENCE STAGE (last stage) - The last stage of infection is an interval when acute symptoms of
infection disappear. The length of recovery depends on the severity of infection and the sick person’s general state of
health. Recovery may take several days to months.

By understanding the chain of infection and the stages of infection, the sick person must intervene to prevent the
infection from developing any further. When a sick person acquires an infection, he/she must observe signs and symptoms
of infection and take appropriate actions to prevent the spread like staying away from other people, and taking the
doctor’s advice seriously. Infection follows a progressive course as explained above. The severity of the sick person’s
illness depends on the extent of the infection, the pathogenicity of the microorganism and susceptibility of the host.

A lot of people die every day because of different reasons and causes. Some die because of accidents, natural
death and some are because of different crimes committed by friends, enemies, even a family member out of a lot of
reasons. But there are also people die because of different diseases which some are communicable and acquired through
lifestyle.

Morbidity is the condition of being diseased.

Mortality is the state of being subject to death.

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 Disease is a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific
signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.
The graphs that show the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines.

https://www.doh.gov.ph/mortality

https://www.doh.gov.ph/morbidity

We discussed the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. And we have learned also that in
mortality, disease of the heart is the most leading according to the graph presented. When it comes to morbidity, acute
respiratory infection is the number one out of ten different leading causes. The causes of death statistics help health
authorities determine the focus of their public health action.
In order for us to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, everyone must know the common types of
communicable diseases particularly the signs and symptoms in order to identify the infected individual and will be given
proper assistance to prevent the spread of the disease. Some individual has less obvious signs and symptoms.
In some cases, children may not able to express their discomfort. Others, if they have high temperature, children
may express the condition of discomfort through crying, nagging, lack of energy and sometimes loss of appetite.

A communicable disease is any disease that passes between people or animals. People sometimes refer to
communicable diseases as “infectious” or “transmissible” diseases. Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
protists, cause communicable diseases.

A person may develop a communicable disease after becoming infected by the pathogen. This may happen
through:
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1. direct contact with a person carrying the pathogen
2. contact with contaminated fluids, such as blood, mucus, or saliva

3. inhaling contaminated droplets from another person’s cough or sneeze

4. receiving a bite from an animal or insect carrying the pathogen
5. consuming contaminated water or foods
6. Once a pathogen has entered a person’s body, it will begin replicating. The individual may then begin to
experience symptoms.
Some symptoms are a direct result of the pathogen damaging the body’s cells. Others are due to the body’s
immune response to the infection. Communicable diseases are usually mild, and symptoms pass after a few days.
However, some can be serious and potentially life threatening. Four main types of pathogens cause infection: Viruses,
bacteria, fungi, and protists. Viruses are tiny pathogens that contain genetic material. Unlike other pathogens, they lack
the complex structure of a cell. To replicate, they must enter the cells of other living beings. Once inside, they use the
cell’s machinery to make copies of themselves.

The Common Communicable Diseases, Sign and Symptoms and Effect

COMMUNICABLE PREVENTION AND

SIGNS/SYMPTOM/ EFFECTS
DISEASES CONTROL

1. CORONAVIRUS Most common symptoms: Fever, dry cough,

(COVID-19) - is an illness tiredness Less common symptoms: aches and pains,
caused by a virus that can sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache loss of
spread from person to taste or smell, a rash on skin, or discoloration of
person. fingers or toes Serious symptoms: difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or
pressure and loss of speech or movement
Pneumonia is an infection Symptoms of pneumonia may vary from mild to
in one or both of the lungs. severe. See your doctor promptly if you have high
Many germs, such as fever, have shaking chills, have a cough with
bacteria, viruses, and phlegm that doesn’t improve or gets worse after a 1. STAY home as much as you
fungi, can cause cold or the flu. can
pneumonia. You can also 2. KEEP a safe distance
get pneumonia by inhaling 3. WASH hands often
a liquid 14 or chemical. 4. COVER your cough
People most at risk are 5. SICK? Call ahead
older than 65 or younger
than 2 years of age, or
already have health
problems.
Bronchitis is an It causes a cough that often brings up the mucus. It
inflammation of the can also cause shortness of breath, wheezing, a low
bronchial tubes, the fever, and chest tightness. There are two main types
airways that carry air to of bronchitis: acute and chronic
your lungs.

Influenza commonly Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and 1. Wash your hands.
called the flu is a viral people who have weakened immune system are 2. Avoid touching your face.
infection that attacks the highly susceptible to flue. Incubation period is 1-3 3. Clean frequently used surfaces.
respiratory system. This days. The common signs and symptoms are fever, 4. Use hand sanitizers when you
type of flue is not the same headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, or other can’t wash your hands with soap
as the stomach “flu” virus respiratory manifestation and water.
that causes diarrhea and 5. Strengthen your immune
vomiting. system.
6. Stay home while sick to make
sure you don’t spread the cold to
others.
Tuberculosis is an It may affect the bones, meninges, joints, genito- 1.The BCG (Bacille
infectious disease that urinary tract, intestines, liver, kidneys, and the heart. CalmetteGuérin) is a live vaccine
primarily is an infectious Signs and symptoms are cough for two weeks or againsttuberculosis.
disease that primarily more, fever, chest or back pain not referable to other 2.Early diagnosis and treatment is
affects the lungs and this diseases, loss of weight and blood-streaked sputum. the most effective way to prevent
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condition is known as the
pulmonary tuberculosis. spread of tuberculosis.
Other parts of the body 3.Managing your environment
may also be affected by As TB is an airborne infection, TB
tuberculosis; this is known bacteria are released into the air
as extra pulmonary when someone with infectious TB
tuberculosis. coughs or sneezes. The risk of
infection can be reduced by using
a
few simple precautions:
good ventilation: as TB can
remain
suspended in the air for several
hours with no ventilation
natural light: UV light kills off TB
bacteria
good hygiene: covering the mouth
and nose when coughing or
sneezing
reduces the spread of TB bacteria.
Dengue fever is acute Signs and symptoms are onset of high fever which Use insect repellent, wear long-
viral infections that affect may last from 2 to 7 days Joint and muscle pain and sleeved shirts and long pants, and
infants, young children, pain behind the eyes, weakness, skin rashes, nose control mosquitoes inside and
and adults. bleeding when fever starts to subside, abdominal outside your home.
pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter.

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency means that the virus weakens the You can use strategies such as
Immunodeficiency immune system, causing the body’s inability to fight abstinence (not having sex), never
Syndrome is a chronic, diseases. Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms sharing needles.
sexually transmitted that indicate or characterize a disease. Cause Human
disease. Acquired means immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Signs and
that the disease is not Symptoms Early symptomatic infections are fever,
hereditary but it develops fatigue, swollen lymph nodes diarrhea, weight loss,
after birth from contact cough, shortness of breath. Primary infection (flu-
with a disease-causing like illness) occurs 3-6 weeks after acquiring
agent (in this case, HIV). infection in almost 50% of newly infected people
are; fever, muscle soreness, rash, headache, sore
throat, mouth or genital ulcers, swollen lymph
glands, mainly on the neck, Joint pain, Night sweats,
and Diarrhea.

Sexually transmitted Causes are bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of You can use strategies such as
infections (STIs) are the most common infections are; Gonorrhoea abstinence (not having sex), never
infections that are spread (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae), Chlamydial sharing needles.
primarily from person-to- infections (caused by Chlamydia trachomatis),
person during sex. Syphilis (caused by Treponema pallidum, Chancroid
(caused by Haemophilusducreyi), Granuloma
inguinale or donovanosis (caused by Klebsiella
granulomatis, previously known as
Calymmatobacteriumgranulomatis) and AIDS
(caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus or
HIV), Genital herpes (caused by Herpes simplex
virus type 2), Genital warts and cervical cancer in
women (caused by human
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papilloma virus Hepatitis (caused by Hepatitis B
virus); chronic cases may lead to cancer of the liver,
inflammation in the brain, the eye, and the bowel
(caused by cytomegalovirus), vaginal
trichomoniasis (caused by Trichomonas vaginalis),
Vaginal yeast infection or vulvovaginitis.Signs and
Symptoms Symptoms vary and some STIs exist
without symptoms. , soreness, unusual lumps or
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 sores, itching, pain when urinating and unusual
discharge from the genitals

We also have learned about the signs, symptoms and effects of common communicable diseases. There are
different communicable diseases in which the signs and symptoms are less obvious, but most of the diseases brings
discomfort and make a person unwell and uneasy.
Misconception is a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception.
Myths are a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a
people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.
Beliefs are conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when
based on examination of evidence.
There are different myths and misconceptions we heard from our parents, grandparents and older individuals, and
most of us easily adopt and believe in it. There are also beliefs and practices at home being taught by elders regarding the
common communicable diseases on how and where they acquire it, just like for example, grandparents don’t allow their
young children to go outside when it is already 6’oclock in the afternoon because the bad spirits are out and they cause
harm to people. Stories like these bring fear and children easily believe in it.

To enlighten you about the myth, misconception and beliefs about communicable diseases, here are some of the myths
and facts about the different common communicable diseases.

DISEASES MYTH/MISCONCEPTION FACT

/BELIEF
1.Coronavirus (Covid - Covid-19 can be - There is no evidence that the novel coronavirus can be
19) transmitted through the bite transmitted through mosquitoes.
of mosquitoes. -The virus can be spread through droplets from coughing,
sneezing or a patient’s saliva.
2.Rhinuvirus - Vitamin C or Zinc can - There are no definitive studies that prove any of these
(Common prevent or cure cold. supplements will stop a cold in its tracks. Some studies
Colds) suggest that taking supplements at the very start of a cold
will shorten its duration by a day, but again, nothing
definitive.
3. Influenza - Healthy people don’t need a - Anyone can get the flu; even young, healthy people are
flu vaccine. at risk. Getting vaccinated each year is important for
everyone age 6 months and older, even healthy people.
And vaccination can help prevent the spread of the virus
to others who may be vulnerable to flu and related
complications.
4. HIV - HIV can get through - HIV can only be transmitted through specific bodily
kissing, hugging, insect fluids so you can’t get HIV from touching someone,
bites, bathing sneezes and hugging them or shaking their hand.
coughs,
sweat and sharing food.
5. Tuberculosis - TB is easy to catch. -As much as anyone can get TB, it is not spread through
touching, hugging or holding hands. If you’re outdoors,
then you’re also less likely to be infected by TB because
when an infected person coughs outdoors, the germs are
diluted in the air. The germs are more likely to be swept
Are you familiar with EMERGING and RE-EMERGING infectious disease?
Emerging infectious diseases (new disease) are those due to newly identified and previously unknown infections
which cause public health problems either locally or internationally, like COVID-19. Re-emerging infectious diseases (old
disease) are those due to the reappearance and increase of infections which are known, but had formerly fallen to levels so
low that they were no longer considered a public health problem. During the last quarter of the 20th century, emerging
and re-emerging infectious diseases have been on the rise.

Contributing Factors to Increasing Occurrence of Emerging Diseases:

Evolution of pathogenic infectious agents (microbial adaptation and change.
Agent-related factors Development of resistance to drugs.
Resistance of vectors to pesticides.

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 Human demographic changes (humans inhabiting new areas).
Human behavior (sexual practices and drug use).
Host-related factors
Human susceptibility to infection (immunosuppression).
Poverty and social inequality.
Climate and changes in the ecosystem.
Economic development and land use (urbanization, deforestation).
Technology and industry.
Environment related factors International travel and commerce.
Breakdown of public health interest in certain situations (war, unrest,
overcrowding).
Deterioration of surveillance systems.

Nature of Emerging and Re-Emerging Diseases:

 Coronavirus (Covid-19) - present emerging infectious disease, COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new
coronavirus that was first identified in December 2019. The new coronavirus can be spread from person to
person. It is diagnosed with a laboratory test. There is no coronavirus vaccine yet. Prevention involves
frequent hand-washing, coughing into the bend of your elbow, staying home when you are sick and wearing a
cloth face covering if you can't practice physical distancing.
 Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola virus disease) - Ebola virus is an infectious agent and one of the viruses
that can cause haemorraghic fever, a severe infectious disease characterized by high fever and bleeding, in
humans and some monkeys. The first infections with this viral genus were reported in Zaire, close to the river
Ebola.
 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-
CoV) is a novel coronavirus discovered in 2012 and is responsible for acute respiratory syndrome in humans.
 Chikungunya Virus - Chikungunya is an acute febrile illness with sudden onset of fever and joint pains,
particularly affecting the hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Most patients recover after a few days but in some
cases the joint pains may persist for weeks, months or even longer.
 H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) - H1N1 Swine flu is a subtype of influenza A virus (a communicable
viral disease), which causes upper, and potentially, lower respiratory tract infections in the host it infects,
resulting in symptoms such as nasal secretions, chills, fever, decreased appetite, and possibly lower respiratory
tract disease. H1N1 swine influenza is a common infection in pigs worldwide, and that is why it is also known
as swine flu. H1N1 swine flu leads to respiratory disease that can potentially infect the respiratory tract of
pigs. Sometimes, people who are closely associated with pigs or in the proximity of pigs have developed
swine flu (zoonotic swine flu).
 AIDS (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) - HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the
body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
 Severe Acute Respiratory Sydnrome (SARS) - Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral
respiratory disease caused by a SARS-associated coronavirus. It was first identified at the end of February
2003 during an outbreak that emerged in China and spread to 4 other countries. SARS is an airborne virus and
can spread through small droplets of saliva in a similar way to the cold and influenza. It was the first severe
and readily transmissible new disease to emerge in the 21st century and showed a clear capacity to spread
along the routes of international air travel. SARS can also be spread indirectly via surfaces that have been
touched by someone who is infected with the virus.
 Tuberculosis - Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by strains of bacteria known as
mycobacteria. The disease most commonly affects the lungs and can be fatal if not treated. However, most
infected individuals show no disease symptoms.

YOUR TASKS!

Reminder: DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ON THIS STUDENT LEARNING GUIDE.

Write your answer on your answer sheet.
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Enrichment Activity 1: Analyze the stages of infection by writing the signs and symptoms under the correct stage.
Copy the table below and pick the answers from the choices. (5 points)

Incubation Stage Prodromal Stage Illness Stage Convalescence Stage

CHOICES:

Length of recovery Common cold

Chickenpox, 2 to 3
depends on the severity manifested by sore
weeks Common colds, 1
of infection and the Malaise, low grade fever, throat, sinus
to 2 days Influenza, 1 to
patient’s general state of fatigue congestion, rhinitis,
3 days Mumps, 15 to 18
health; takes several mumps manifested by
days
days to months earache

Enrichment Activity 2: Identify the different common communicable diseases. Choose answer from the box below.
Write only the letter of your answers. (5 points)

1. Acute viral infection that affects infant, a. Bronchitis

young children, and adults.
2. It is a bacterial infection in the lungs b. Influenza
which may cause death if untreated.
3. It is the inflammation of the linings in c. Common cold
the bronchial tubes of the lungs.
4. It is a respiratory tract viral infection. d. Dengue Fever
5. Commonly called the “Flu”, a viral infection that e. Pneumonia
attacks the respiratory system.
Written Task 3: Read and Analyze the given statements about the nature of emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases. Then, match the following statement in Column A with their corresponding infectious disease in column
B.
Write only the letter of the correct answer. (10 points)

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. It is a novel coronavirus discovered in 2012 and is responsible for acute A. Coronavirus (Covid-19)
respiratory syndrome in humans.
2. An acute febrile illness with sudden onset of fever and joint pains, B. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
particularly affecting the hands, wrists, ankles and feet. (MERS)
3. Infectious disease caused by strains of bacteria known as mycobacteria. C. Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

4. It is an airborne virus and can spread through small droplets of saliva in D. Dengue
a similar way to the cold and influenza.
5. The disease caused by the new coronavirus that was first identified in E. Chikungunya Virus
December 2019.
6. An acute febrile illness with sudden onset of fever, followed by F. Severe Acute Respiratory
development of generalized symptoms and sometimes a macular skin rash. Syndrome (SARS)
It is known as “breakbone fever” because of severe muscle, joint and bone
pains.
7. It is an infectious agent and one of the viruses that can cause G. Hepatitis C
hemorrhagic fever, a severe infectious disease characterized by high fever
and bleeding, in humans and some monkeys.
8. A subtype of influenza A virus (a communicable viral disease), which H. AIDS (Human Immuno-deficiency
causes upper, and potentially, lower respiratory tract infections in the host Virus)
it infects, resulting in symptoms such as nasal secretions, chills, fever,
decreased appetite, and possibly lower respiratory tract disease.
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 9. Most patients with this virus will develop a long-lasting chronic I. Tuberculosis
infection,
which may lead to cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.
10. Virus that attacks the body's immune system. J. H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)

WRAP-UP ACTIVITY

Provide a brief discussion about myths and facts of Coronavirus (covid-19).

(5 points)

REFERENCES

Benavinte, R. J., et.al, 2013, Physical Education and Health Learner's Module. 2nd Floor Dorm G, PSC Complex
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City: Vicarish Publication and Trading, Inc.
Retrieved from Department of Education – Division of Gingoog City Division
https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/myths-and-facts-about-influenza-for-consumers
https://choma.co.za/articles/403/myths-and-misconceptions-about-tb

This Student Learning Guide will be discussed during Online Consultation on the following schedule.
2nd Week of 3rd Quarter
Monday & Tuesday
1:00pm -3:00pm

Visit your Official Facebook Class Group.

Search MNHS (Subject Area) (Surname of your subject teacher, School Year)
Example: MNHS MAPEH 8 Eclarinal, Leabres, Alipio, Ocampo, Relator, SY 2021-2022

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