Question

Which one of the following has a long-term effect on the health of an individual?
(a) Common cold
(b) Chicken pox
(c) Chewing tobacco
(d) Stress

Answer 1

Hint: The word disease means disturbed ease. It refers to any condition that impairs normal functioning of the living organisms. Disease may be a response to environmental factors, specific infective agents of the organisms or might be malfunctioning of organs with age.
Depending on the duration, disease may be of two types-
-Acute diseases: These are short duration diseases which last for a short period of time. It does not cause bad effects on human beings.
-Chronic diseases: These are long duration diseases which last for a long period of time. It causes drastic long-term effects on human health. It can even last a lifetime.

Complete answer: Now, we have to look towards the options we are provided with.
Common cold is a viral disease which is caused by Rhinoviruses. Viruses infect the nasal epithelium and respiratory passage. It is a short duration disease and its attack lasts for about 3-7 days.
Chicken pox is an acute infectious disease caused by Varicella-Zoster virus. It can generally recover within one or two weeks without treatment. There is a vaccine which can prevent it. It is highly contagious.
Tobacco is a silent killer which causes drastic effects on human health. Chewing tobacco increases the risk of leukoplakia which is a precursor to oral cancer (mainly of mouth and throat). It is a chronic disease which causes long term effects on an individual.
Stress can be caused by many sudden changes and situations in our life. It is easy to handle and does not cause long term effects on humans.

So, the correct answer is option (C) chewing tobacco.

Note: There are following measures which can prevent or control these diseases such as:
-Maintaining personal hygiene by consuming good food and water.
-Maintaining public hygiene by disposal of wastes and cleaning of surroundings.
-Use of antibiotics and drugs for the treatment.