Question 1

Why was the discovery of germ theory so important?

Accepted Answer

Before germ theory, most people believed in miasma (bad air) or spontaneous generation. Pasteur and Koch proved that specific microorganisms cause specific diseases, which led to better hygiene, antiseptic surgery (Lister), and vaccines. It also allowed scientists to develop treatments like antibiotics, because they knew what they were fighting.

Question 2

How did World War Two help the development of penicillin?

Accepted Answer

WWII created an urgent need for treatments for infected wounds. The US government funded mass production of penicillin, turning it from a lab curiosity into a widely available drug. By 1944, it was being used on D-Day casualties, saving thousands of lives. The war also spurred research into other antibiotics.

Question 3

What was the impact of the NHS on people's health?

Accepted Answer

The NHS made healthcare free at the point of use, so people no longer avoided seeing a doctor due to cost. This led to earlier diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Life expectancy rose from around 66 in 1948 to over 80 today. However, the NHS also faced challenges like rising costs and waiting lists.

Question 4

Why did some people oppose vaccination in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

Some opposed vaccination on religious grounds, believing disease was God's punishment. Others feared side effects or thought it was an infringement on personal liberty. There were also practical concerns: early vaccines were sometimes contaminated, causing illness. Despite this, compulsory vaccination laws were passed, leading to high uptake.

Question 5

How did John Snow help improve public health?

Accepted Answer

John Snow mapped cholera cases in Soho, London, in 1854 and traced the outbreak to a contaminated water pump on Broad Street. He removed the pump handle, stopping the outbreak. This provided evidence that cholera was waterborne, not airborne, supporting germ theory. His work influenced later public health reforms like clean water supplies.

Question 6

What is the difference between a vaccine and an antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

A vaccine prevents disease by training the immune system to recognise a pathogen (e.g., the MMR vaccine prevents measles, mumps, and rubella). An antibiotic treats an existing bacterial infection by killing or stopping bacteria (e.g., penicillin for strep throat). Vaccines are given to healthy people; antibiotics are for sick people. Antibiotics don't work on viruses.

Modern medicine

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