English Work

Infectious diseases
Are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, 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 infectious 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 organisms 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 thorough hand-washing also helps protect you from most infectious diseases.
Symptoms
Each infectious disease 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.
Causes
Infectious diseases can be caused by:
Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary
tract infections and tuberculosis.
Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the
common cold to AIDS.
Fungi. Many skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi. Other
types of fungi can infect your lungs or nervous system.
Parasites. 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 catch most infectious 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 coughs or sneezes on someone who
isn't infected.
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 woman may pass germs that cause infectious diseases
to her unborn baby. Some germs can pass through the placenta or through breast milk. Germs
in the vagina can also be transmitted to the baby during birth.
Indirect contact
Disease-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 he or she left behind. If you then touch your eyes, mouth or nose before
washing your hands, you may become infected.
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 to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your
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 if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or have a fever.
Don't send your child to school if he or she has these 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 traveling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special
vaccinations — such as yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A or B, or typhoid fever — you may
need.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral
infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis.
These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of
medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when
your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.
The five main viral classifications of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different
virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis.

English Work

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

English Work

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

English Work

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases can be caused by:

Follow these tips to decrease the risk of infection:

You might also like