Self-Learning Module

8
3rd Quarter
 LESSON

Stages of Infection
Infection occurs when an organism, such as virus or bacterium, invades the body. The
infectious agent rapidly multiplies in the body’s tissues. Although not all infections result in
disease, some can trigger the immune system, causing symptoms of illness.
There are five (5) stages of infection:
Incubation
Prodromal
Illness
Decline
Convalescence
Incubation – this stage includes the time from exposure to an infectious agent (pathogen)
until the onset of symptoms. During this time, the pathogens grow and multiply in the
body.
Prodromal – this stage refers to the period after incubation and before the characteristic
symptoms of infection occur. People can transmit disease during this stage. During this
stage, the pathogen continues to multiply in the body, which would trigger the body’s im-
mune response and mild, nonspecific symptoms. Symptoms can include low-grade fever
and fatigue.
Illness – the third stage of infection is called illness or clinical disease. This stage includes
the time during which the body shows signs and symptoms specific to an infection.
Signs – are visible manifestations of an infection or disease. Example are the following:
Redness of eyes
Rashes or skin spots
Swelling
Tenderness
Symptoms – are manifestations of disease apparent to the patient. Symptoms represent
the complaints or experiences of the patient but other people do not see. The symptoms of in-
fection vary widely depending on the underlying cause. In general, people who have an active
infection may experience:
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes

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 Decline – during the decline stage, the immune system mounts a successful defense against
the pathogens, and the number of infectious particle decreases. Symptoms will gradually
improve. However, a person can develop secondary infections during this stage if the pri-
mary infection has weakened the immune system. During this stage, the virus can still
transmit to other people.

Convalescence – this is the final stage of infection. During this stage, symptoms of the ill-
ness disappear, and a person can return to his normal functions. Depending on the severi-
ty of the infection, some people may have permanent damage even after the infections re-
solves.

The straightforward definition of infection is the entry and multiplication of infectious

agent in the tissue host. In other words, an infection is an overgrowth of bad bacteria or virus.
The infectious agent is called pathogen.
The presence of a pathogen does not mean that an infection will necessarily begin. The
development of an infection happens in a cycle that depends on all elements of the cycle being
present. There are 6 elements in the chain of infection.
Infectious agent – a microbial organism with the ability to cause a disease. Infectious agents
are bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites.
Reservoir - a place within which a microorganism can thrive and reproduce. For example,
microorganisms thrive in human beings, animals, and inanimate objects such as water, ta-
ble tops, and door knobs.
Portal of exit – a place of exit providing a way for the microorganism to leave the reservoir.
For example, microorganisms can leave the reservoir through the nose or mouth when
someone coughs or sneezes. Microorganisms, carried away from the body by feces, may
also leave the reservoir of an infected bowel.
Mode of transmission – method of transfer by which the organism moves or is carried from
one place to another. The hands of a healthcare worker may carry bacteria from one person
to another.
Portal of entry – an opening allowing the microorganism to enter host. Portal includes body
orifices (nostril, anus), mucus membranes, or breaks in the skin. Portals also result from
tubes place in the body cavities, such as urinary catheters, or from punctures produced by
invasive procedures such as intravenous fluid replacement.
Host – a person who cannot resist a microorganism invading the body, multiplying, and re-
sulting in infection. The host is susceptible to the disease, lacking immunity or physical
resistance to overcome the invasion of the pathogenic microorganism.
An infection will only occur if this chain of infection is intact.

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Morbidity discusses the disease state of an individual, or the occurrence of illness in a population; while mor-
tality is the number of deaths in a population.
Ischaemic heart diseases, neoplasms, and cerebrovascular diseases are still the three leading
causes of death in the Philippines
The top three causes of death in the country in 2020 were ischaemic heart diseases, neo-
plasms, and cerebrovascular diseases. Incidentally, these were also the leading causes of death in
2019. In 2020, deaths due to ischaemic heart diseases were the leading cause of death with 99.7
thousand cases or 17.3 percent of the total deaths in the country. This was an increase of about
2.3 percent from the 97.5 thousand deaths or 15.7% of the total deaths in 2019. On the other
hand, neoplasms, commonly known as “cancer”, came in second with 62.3 thousand deaths or
10.8 percent. Cerebrovascular diseases were the third leading cause which accounted for 59.7
thousand deaths or 10.4 percent of the total. Neoplasms and cerebrovascular diseases both
showed a decrease of -9.3 percent and -6.0 percent, respectively, from the previous year. Deaths
due to diabetes mellitus (37.3 thousand or 6.5% share), which ranked fourth in 2020, had an an-
nual increase of 7.8 percent. Meanwhile, deaths due to pneumonia, which recorded 32.6 thou-
sand cases (5.7% share) in 2020, posted a -48.1 percent decrease from 62.7 thousand (10.1%
share) in 2019, making it the fifth leading cause of death for the year.

Deaths due to ischaemic heart diseases and diabetes mellitus exceed their average in the last
five years
Among the ten leading causes of death, the number of registered deaths due to ischaemic
heart diseases and diabetes mellitus already exceeded their averages in the last five years (2015-
2019). Meanwhile, deaths due to pneumonia had the biggest decline, with -24.3 thousand less
deaths in 2020 than its average in the past five years. The top three causes of death in 2020 re-
tained their respective ranks in terms of their averages in the last five years. (Table A)
*Source: https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-december-2020

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 Figure 1. All Cause Mortality (Top 20), Philippines;
January to December, 2019 & 2020 (p)

Table A. Average Number and Rank of Registered Deaths from

2015-2019, Number and Rank of Registered Deaths,
by Cause of Death, Philippines: 2020(p)
(as of 26 February 2021)

*Source: https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-december-2020

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 Most Common Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens. These are illnesses that you can “catch” or
can be passed from one person to another.
The table below will help you learn about common communicable diseases.

Treatment or Manage-
Disease Infectious Agent Signs and Symptoms
ment

Acute Respiratory Adenoviruses Congestion either in Rest well.

Infections – infec- Rhinoviruses the nasal sinuses or Increase fluid intake.
tion in the upper or Pneumococcus lungs, runny nose, Cough and cold medica-
lower respiratory cough, sore throat, tions can be taken to re-
tract that prevents body aches, fatigue duce symptoms.
from normal breath-
ing.
Pneumonia – infec- Bacteria Chills, high fever, Treat with antibiotics.
tion of the lungs Viruses dyspnea, pleuritic Hospitalization for sever
wherein the air sac or Fungi chest pain worsened cases and cases in in-
alveoli are filled with by deep inspiration, fants.
pus and fluid which cough, crackles and
limits oxygen intake wheezes heard on
breath sounds.
Bronchitis – inflam- Viruses Persistent cough last- Take a rest.
mation of the bron- Bacteria ing for weeks, Drink fluids.
chial tubes, the air Irritant particles wheezing, chest dis- Breathe warm and moist
passages between the comfort, low fever air.
nose and the lungs. and chills, sore Take medications for
throat, body aches, cough and pains.
blocked nose and si- Take antibiotics (for
nuses bacterial infection).
Influenza (flu) – a Flu virus (Type A, B, Sudden onset of high Bed rest.
highly contagious vi- and C). fever lasting for three Take plenty of fluids.
ral infection affecting to five days; head- In severe cases, antiviral
the respiratory sys- ache, muscle ache, medications are pre-
tem and joint pains; dry scribed.
cough; chills; fatigue;
malaise (not feeling
well), nasal conges-
tion.
Tuberculosis – an Bacteria Cough that is worse Standard six-month
infectious bacterial (Mycobacterium tu- in the morning and course of four antibiot-
disease that common- berculosis) lasts three weeks or ics
ly affects the lungs longer (sometimes
with blood in the spu-
tum), chest pain,
breathlessness, night
sweats, signs of
pneumonia, weight
loss, weakness or fa-
tigue
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 Treatment or Manage-
Disease Infectious Agent Signs and Symptoms
ment
o
Dengue – is a mos- Dengue virus (four Fever up to 41 C, Rest.
quito-borne disease strains) headaches, muscle, Drink plenty of fluids.
mostly occurring in bones and joint pain, Pain medications can be
tropical and sub- pain behind eyes, taken except for those
tropical areas widespread rash, nau- that may increase bleed-
sea and vomiting, mi- ing complications.
nor bleeding from Hospitalization is needed
your gums or nose in severe cases.
Sexually Transmit- Bacteria Unusual discharge Antibacterial or antiviral
ted Infections (STIs) Viruses from the penis, vagi- medications.
– infections that can Fungi na or anus; pain dur-
be acquired predomi- Protozoa ing sex or urination;
nantly through un- sores, blisters, ulcers,
protected sexual con- warts or rashes in the
tact. Examples are genital area; fever or
chlamydia, gonor- flu-like symptoms;
rhea, syphilis, and abnormal or unusual
herpes. vagina bleeding; pain
in the scrotum or tes-
ticles; lumps and
bumps on the genitals
HIV and AIDS – Human Immunodefi- Fever and nigh sweat, There is no treatment but
AIDS (Acquired Im- ciency Virus feeling very tired, there are medications
munodeficiency Syn- quick weight loss, that can slow down the
drome) is a chronic, headache, enlarged progress of the disease.
life-threatening con- lymph nodes, diar-
dition caused by the rhea, vomiting and
Human Immunodefi- upset stomach, geni-
ciency Virus (HIV). tal or anal sores, dry
HIV weakens the im- cough, rash or flaky
mune system by de- skin, short-term
stroying important memory loss
cells that fight diseas-
es and infections.
AIDS is the final
stage of HIV infec-
tion.

How are communicable diseases prevented?

Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid sharing personal things.
Stay and rest at home when sick.
Handle and prepare foods hygienically.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching animals that may bring diseases.
Make sure you get vaccinated.
Properly disinfect and clean surfaces like toilet bowls, sinks, etc.

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 Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases
Emerging diseases are diseases that have newly appeared in the population or that have
existed before but is rapidly increasing in incidence and geographic range. Re-emerging dis-
eases are diseases that had decreased in incidence and brought under control but surfacing again
due to changes in health conditions of a population. Theses diseases threaten all countries.
Here are some emerging and re-emerging diseases:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Meningococcemia
Foot and Mouth Disease
Leptospirosis
Avian Influenza
A (H1N1)
Chikungunya
Covid-19

Signs and Symp-

Disease Prevention Treatment
toms
Leptospirosis – a Headache, high fever, Avoid contact with Treated with antibiot-
bacterial disease af- muscle pain, chills, water and soil con- ics.
fecting both humans vomiting, abdominal taminated by infected
and animals caused pain and diarrhea, animals like rats.
by the bacteria, Lep- yellow skin and eyes, Practice good hy-
tospira interrogans rash, conjunctivitis giene.
Severe Acute Res- Flu-like symptoms Practice good hy- No treatment yet.
piratory Syndrome such as fever, chills, giene. Hospitalization is re-
(SARS) – a conta- headache, muscle Wear protective quired in severe cas-
gious and sometimes aches, poor appetite, gloves and masks. es.
fatal respiratory ill- dry cough, and short- Disinfect surfaces.
ness caused by SARS ness of breath after a
-CoV (SARS- week.
associated corona-
virus)
Chikungunya – a Symptoms show Use protective cloth- No treatment.
viral disease trans- three to seven days ing and insect repel- Treatment is primari-
mitted by mosquitoes after being bitten by lants during outbreak ly directed at reliev-
(Aedes species) the infected mosqui- season. ing symptoms.
to. Clean areas frequent-
ly inhibited by mos-
quitoes.

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 Signs and Symp-
Disease Prevention Treatment
toms
Meningococcemia – Fever, aches, rash, Reduce risk by Should be treated and
a life-threatening in- nausea avoiding people who admitted in the hospital.
fection of the blood- Complications in- are coughing, sneez-
stream caused by the clude shock, multiple ing, or showing other
bacteria Neisseria organ failure, lack of signs of the disease.
meningitides. Infec- circulation to the ex-
tion can spread tremities, and death
through cough and
cold droplets in the
air.
Hand, foot, and Fever, reduced appe- Wash hands regular- No specific treatment.
mouth diseases – a tite, sore throat, sores ly. Only the symptoms may
mild, contagious in- or blisters in or on Disinfect common be treated.
fection common the mouth and on the areas.
among young chil- hands and feet. Isolate contagious in-
dren caused by enter- dividuals.
oviruses.
Causes sores in or on
the mouth, and on the
hands and feet.
Avian Influenza – Cough, high fever, Avoid going near a Can be treated with anti-
also known as bird aching bones and dead or sick bird. viral medications.
flu, it is caused by muscles, chest pain, Practice hand wash-
viruses infecting fatigue, cold sweat, ing regularly.
birds, the H5N1 loss of appetite, run-
strain virus. ny nose, bleeding
from the gums,
bloody sputum
AH1N1 Influenza – Sudden fever, tired- Wash hands frequent- Rest.
a highly contagious ness, sore throat, run- ly. Drink lots of fluids.
flu caused by the ny nose, cough, head- Avoid contact with Treat symptoms with
H1N1 virus. ache, muscle and infected people. medications.
Also called the swine joint pain, acute ab- Cover mouth and
flu because it is dominal pain, and nose when coughing
thought to originate vomiting and sneezing.
from pigs.
Zika Virus Infection Fever and other mos- Use mosquito repel- There is no specific
– it is caused by a quito-related disease lent. treatment for infection
Zika virus and is symptoms like rash Wear long-sleeve with Zika virus. To help
transmitted to people and joint pains. shirts and trousers. relieve symptoms, get
by Aedes mosquitoes. Sleeping or resting in plenty of rest and drink
It can also be passed screened or air- plenty of fluids. The
on by a pregnant conditioned room. over-the-counter medica-
woman to her unborn Use mosquito nets. tion, Tylenol, may help
child and cause birth relieve joint pain and fe-
defects. A person who ver.
has had Zika is likely to
be protected from future
infections.

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 Before, the Ebola virus outbreak in March 2014 was the largest and most complex out-
break since the virus was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases from this out-
break than all the other breaks combined. This caused a worldwide scare to all countries, making
them implement stricter policies in the entry of individuals coming overseas.
In the Philippines, a 21-day quarantine procedure is implemented to all people who came
from the regions of Africa.
Today, Covid-19 is considered as the biggest outbreak in the world since the virus was
first discovered in 2019, in Wuhan, China. Up until today, we are experiencing the extent of the
outbreak. In the Philippines, there has been 3.68M reported cases and 58, 845 deaths due to
Covid-19.(source: JHU CSSE COVID-19 Data)

AGENCIES THAT PROMOTE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES TO

PREVEN AND CONTROL COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international
organization which leads in efforts towards global health. It is
the directing and coordinating authority for matter concern-
ing the health of recipients within the United Nations system.
The agency plans, organizes, and implements program to
maintain and improve the health and well-being of the people.

The Department of Health (DOH), or Kagawaran ng Kalusugan, is the major

agency that implements health programs and policies in the country. The de-
partment is obliged to make sure that health services are made available and
accessible to all Philippine citizens. As an agency, this department’s focus is
to continue to improve the country’s health care system. The agency also up-

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guarantees the welfare, efficiency,

cleanliness, and excellence of processed foods, drugs, medical devices, cos-
metics, and household hazardous substances through state-of-the-art tech-

What are the programs and policies that they promote?

Every country has programs and policies that help protect the public from infectious diseas-
es. Public health actions normally involve removing the pathogen from its reservoir or from its
way of transmission. Those measures include the following:
1. Guaranteeing a safe water supply.
2. Dealing properly with sewage treatment and disposal.
3. Introducing a food safety program.
4. Educating on animal control and pet caring programs.
5. Holding vaccination programs