Question

Explain briefly, the role of the following health aids : [4 MARKS]
(a) Antiseptics
(b) Disinfectants
(c) Vaccines

Answer 1

a) 1 Mark
b) 1 Mark
c) 2 Marks

(a) Role of antiseptics: These are mild chemical substances which, when applied on the body, kill germs. These substances are in such mild concentration that they cause no harm to the skin and body.
Example: carbolic acid, iodine, benzoic acid, mercurochrome, boric acid, in dilute solution are good antiseptics. Certain antibiotic creams also serve the same purpose.

(b) Role of disinfectants. These are strong chemical substances that are applied on spots and places where germs thrive and multiply. They are strong and should not come in contact with the human skin.
Example: Cresol, lysol.

(c) Role of vaccines. The vaccine or the collection of germ substances is introduced into the body usually by injection and sometimes orally, e.g. Polio drops. Inside the body, the vaccine stimulates the WBC's to produce antibodies against germs for that particular disease. The terms "vaccine" and vaccination" was originally used for vaccination against small pox, but now these are used in a general sense.