Communicable and Life Style Disease — Important Questions

Antibodies

Step 1: Our body has a defense system that protects us from harmful germs. Step 2: White blood cells (WBCs) are the main soldiers of this defense system. Step 3: When germs enter the body, WBCs produce special substances called antibodies. Step 4: These antibodies fight and destroy the germs, preventing disease. Step 5: Hormones regulate body functions, enzymes help in digestion, and vitamins support nutrition — none of them are produced by WBCs to fight germs.

Boiling drinking water for 10 minutes

Step 1: Communicable diseases can spread through contaminated water. Step 2: Boiling water for 10 minutes kills most disease-causing germs, making it safe to drink. Step 3: Eating raw, uncovered food exposes you to germs carried by flies and dust. Step 4: Visiting crowded places during an epidemic increases the risk of catching airborne diseases. Step 5: Using the same utensils as a sick person is a form of indirect contact that spreads disease. Hence, boiling water is the safest preventive measure among the options.

Natural defense (immune) system

Step 1: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Step 2: This virus specifically attacks the body's immune system, which is our natural defense against infections. Step 3: When the immune system is weakened, the body cannot fight even minor infections effectively. Step 4: When HIV has completely destroyed the immune system, the condition is called AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). Step 5: The digestive, skeletal, and respiratory systems are not the direct target of the HIV virus.

Shaking hands with an infected person

Step 1: HIV is transmitted only through specific body fluids like blood, sexual fluids, and from mother to child. Step 2: Sexual contact with an infected person, use of infected needles, and blood transfusion are all confirmed ways HIV spreads. Step 3: Shaking hands involves only skin contact — HIV cannot survive outside the body easily and does not spread through casual touch. Step 4: Similarly, sharing food, coughing, sneezing, and using the same toilet seat do NOT spread HIV. Step 5: It is important to know how HIV does NOT spread to reduce stigma and fear around infected people.