Overview

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria , virus
Fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They’re normally
Harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may .

Cause disease

Some infections diseases can be passed from person to person. Some are
Transmitted by insects or other animals. And you may get others by consuming
Contaminated food or water or being exposed to organism in the environment.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the organism causing the infection,
But often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and
home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may need
hospitalization.

Many infectious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can be prevented
By vaccines. Frequent and through hand-washing also helps protect you most
Infection diseases.

Symptoms :

Each infections diseases has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs
And symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include :

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Coughing

When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if you :

• Have been bitten by an animal
• Are having trouble breathing
• Have been coughing for more than a week
• Have server headache with fever
• Experience a rash or swelling
• Have unexplained or prolonged fever
• Have sudden vision problems

Causes

Infections diseases can be caused by :

• Bacteria : These one-cell organisms are responsible for illness such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis.
• Viruses : Even smaller than bacteria, virues cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to AIDS.
• Fungi : Many skin diseases by a tiny parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Other types of fungi can infect your lunges or nervous system.
• Parasite : Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Other parasites may be transmitted to humans from animal feces.

Direct contact

An easy way to each to catch most infections diseases is by coming in contact with a person or an animal with the infection. Infectious diseases can be spread through direct contact such as :

• Person to person : infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another . this can happen when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, kisses, or cough or sneezes on someone who isn’t infected.
  These germs can also spread through the exchange of body fluids from sexual contact. The person who passes the germ may have no symptoms of the diseases , but may simple be a carrier.
• Animal to person : Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal even a pet can make you sick and, in extreme circumstances, can be fatal . Handling animal waste can be hazardous, too. For example, you can get a toxoplasmosis infection by scooping your cat’s litter box.
• Mother to unborn child : A pregnant women may pass germs that cause infectious diseases to her unborn baby. Some gems can pass through the placenta or through breast milk. Gems in the vagina can also be transmitted to the baby during birth.

Indirect contact :

Diseases causing organisms also can be passed by indirect contact. Many germs can linger on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle.
When you touch a doorknob handled by someone ill with the flu or a cold, for example, you can pick up the germs her or she left behind. If you then touch your eyes, mouth or nose before washing your hands, you may become infected .

Insect bites :

Some germs rely on insect carries such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice or ticks to move from host to host. These carries are known as vectors. Mosquitoes can carry the malaria or west Nile virus. Deer ticks may carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

Food contamination :

Diseases causing germs can also infect you through contaminated food and water. This mechanism of transmission allows to be spread to many people through a single source. Escherichia coli (E.coli), for example , is bacterium present in or on certain foods such as underlocked hamburger or unpasteurized fruit juice.

More information :

Visit curewell Laboratories and preventive unit.

Risk factors :

While anyone can catch infectious diseases , you may be more likely to get sick if your immune system isn’t working properly. This may occur if :

• You’re taking steroids or other medications that suppress your immune system, such as anti rejection drugs for a transplanted organ
• You have HIV or AIDS
• You have certain types of cancer or other disorders that affect your immune system
• In additions, certain other medical conditions may predispose you to infection, including implanted medical devices, malnutrition and extremes of age, among others.

Complications :

Most infectious diseases have only minor complications. But some infections such as pneumonia, AIDS and meningitis can become life threatening . A few types infections hav been linked to a long term increased risk of cancer :

• Human papillomavirus is linked to cervical cancer
• Helibacter pylori is linked to stomach cancer and peptic ulces
• Hepatitis B and c have been liked to liver cancer

In additions, some infectious diseases may become slient, only to appear again in the future sometimes even decades later. For example, someone who’s had chickenpox ,may develop shingles much later in life.

Prevention:

Follow these tips to decrease the risk of infection :

• Wash your hands : This is especially important before and after preparing food , before eating, and after using the toilet. And try not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands, as that’s a common way germs enter the body.
• Get vaccinated : vaccination can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date on your recommended vaccinations, as well as your children ‘s.
• Stay home when ill : don’t go to work of your vomiting, have diarrhea or have a fever. Don’t send your child to school if he or she has three signs, either.
• Prepare food safely : keep counters and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. Cook foods to the proper temperature , using a food thermometer to check for doneness . for ground meats, that means at least 160 F(71 C); For poultry 165 F (74 C); and for most other meats, at least 145 F (63 C).
  Also promptly refrigerate leftovers don’t let cooked foods remain at room temperature for long periods of time.
• Practice safe sex : always use condoms if you or your partner has a history of sexually transmitted infections or high risk behavior.
• Don’t share personal items : use your own toothbrush, comb and razor. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or dining utensils.
• Travel wisely : if you’re travelling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special vaccinations such as yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A or B typhoid fever you may need.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may order lab work or imaging scans to helps determine what’s causing your symptoms.

Laboratory tests : many infectious diseases have similar signs and symptoms. Samples pf body fluids cam sometimes reveal evidence of the particular microbe that’s causing the illness. This helps the doctor tailor treatment.

• HIV/AIDS
• Herpes
• Hepatitis B
• Anti HBS
• Hepatitis C
• HbeAg/ Envelop antibody
• Anti HBe
• Syphilis
• Anti HAV
• Rubella IgG
• Rubella IgM
• Toxo IgG
• Toxo IgM