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Infectious Diseases

Also called: Communicable diseases

Infectious diseases kill more people worldwide than any other single cause. Infectious diseases are caused by germs. Germs are tiny living things that are found everywhere - in air, soil and water. You can get infected by touching, eating, drinking or breathing something that contains a germ. Germs can also spread through animal and insect bites, kissing and sexual contact. Vaccines, proper hand washing and medicines can help prevent infections.

There are four main kinds of germs:

  • Bacteria - one-celled germs that multiply quickly and may release chemicals which can make you sick
  • Viruses - capsules that contain genetic material, and use your own cells to multiply
  • Fungi - primitive plants, like mushrooms or mildew
  • Protozoa - one-celled animals that use other living things for food and a place to live

NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Symptoms of Infectious Diseases

The following features are indicative of Infectious Diseases:
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • muscle aches
  • coughing

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Common Causes of Infectious Diseases

The following are the most common causes of Infectious Diseases:
  • staphylococcus aureus bacterial infections
  • viral infections
  • fungal infections

Risk Factors for Infectious Diseases

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Infectious Diseases:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • certain types of cancer
  • taking steroids or other medications that suppress your immune system

Prevention of Infectious Diseases

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Infectious Diseases. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • washing hands properly
  • wearing gowns
  • wearing face masks
  • avoid the use of illicit drugs
  • use a condom
  • healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet
  • regular exercise

Occurrence of Infectious Diseases

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Infectious Diseases cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Infectious Diseases can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Infectious Diseases can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Infectious Diseases:
  • Blood test: To diagnose infection in the blood
  • Urine tests: To diagnose infection by collecting urine
  • Throat swabs: To diagnose infection by collecting samples from the throat
  • Stool sample: to diagnose infection by collecting a stool sample
  • Lumbar puncture: To get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid through a needle
  • Imaging scans: TO diagnose infection through X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography
  • Biopsies: To diagnose fungal infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Infectious Diseases:
  • Primary care physician
  • Internal medicine specialist
  • Infectious diseases specialist

Complications of Infectious Diseases if untreated

Yes, Infectious Diseases causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Infectious Diseases is left untreated:
  • can be fatal

Medicines for Infectious Diseases

Below is the list of medicines used for Infectious Diseases:

Self-care for Infectious Diseases

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Infectious Diseases:
  • Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly before or after toilet or preparing food
  • Stay home when ill: Do not go to work if are suffering with infections
  • Prepare food safely: Always keep kitchen surfaces and counters clean while preparing food
  • Practice safe sex: Always use condoms while having sex
  • Do not share personal items: Avoid sharing personal items with others

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Infectious Diseases

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Infectious Diseases:
  • Use cranberry preparation:: To prevent or reduce infection
  • Consume echinacea product: To prevent or reduce infection
  • Consume garlic product: To prevent or reduce infection
  • Intake ginseng product: To prevent or reduce infection
  • Consume goldenseal product: To prevent or reduce infection

Time for Treatment of Infectious Diseases

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Infectious Diseases to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Is Infectious Diseases Infectious?

Yes, Infectious Diseases is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • person to person
  • animal to person
  • mother to unborn child
  • insect bites
  • food contamination

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Infectious Diseases.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics
Bacterial Infections
Fungal Infections
Immunization
Infection Control
Parasitic Diseases
Traveler's Health
Viral Infections

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