Infectious Diseases

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.

Causes

Infectious diseases can be caused by:

• Bacteria. These are one-celled organisms that 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 or from the bite of an insect.

Transmission

Infectious diseases can be spread in a variety of ways:

• Direct contact. An easy way to catch most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with a person or animal who has the infection. Infectious diseases can be spread through direct contact such as:
  • Person to person. The most common way for infectious diseases to spread is through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another. This can occur when an individual with the bacterium or virus touches, coughs on or kisses 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.
  • 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. Germs in the vagina can be transmitted to the baby during birth.

• Indirect contact. Disease-causing organisms can also be passed by indirect contact. Many germs can linger on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle.

• Insect bites. Some germs rely on insect carriers — such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice or ticks — to move from host to host.

• Food contamination. Disease-causing germs can also be spread through contaminated food and water. This mechanism of transmission allows germs to be spread to many people through a single source.

Prevention

Prevention of infectious diseases includes:

• Hand washing: This simple habit can prevent many infectious diseases.
• Vaccines: Immunization can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date with your recommended vaccines, as well as your children's.
• Stay home: Avoid people when you are sick or have a weakened immune system. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or a cough.
• Prepare food safely: Keep kitchen surfaces clean. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly.

Treatment

Treatment of infectious diseases can include antibiotics, antiviral medication, antifungal medication, and antiparasitic treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the type of organism causing the infection.