Find Everything You May Need to Know About Infectious Diseases from AccuHealth Experts

Infectious diseases are mostly caused by germs. Organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites often cause disorders in the human body termed as infectious diseases. There are many harmless, even helpful organisms living in and on our bodies which under certain conditions, may cause clinical infectious disease.

Some infectious diseases can be passed on from person to person while others are transmitted by insects or other animals. Consuming contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment may cause common infectious diseases as well.

Signs and Symptoms of Infectious Diseases

Symptoms of infectious diseases vary depending on the organism causing the infection. The most common symptoms often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may sometimes be cured by rest and home remedies. Some life-threatening infections may need hospitalization as well.
Types and Examples of Most infectious diseases and How they are Caused

Following is the list of infectious diseases that can be caused by:

Bacteria: The one-cell organisms, bacteria, are responsible for many highly infectious diseases like strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections.

Viruses: These microorganisms, even smaller than bacteria, cause diseases ranging from the common cold to deadliest infectious diseases like AIDS.

Fungi: Fungi can cause infectious diseases like skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot or can infect your lungs or nervous system.

Parasites: Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a tiny parasite transmitted by a mosquito bite.

Prevention and Control of Infectious diseases

Wash your hands: Washing your hands is a hygienic practice. You should always wash your hands before and after you prepare food and before you eat. It is also important to wash your hands after using the toilet. Also a common way for germs entering the body is through your hands so try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
Stay home when ill: Avoid going outside if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or a fever. Avoid sending your child to school if he or she has these signs, either.
Prepare food safely: Take care that your counters and other kitchen surfaces are clean when you are preparing meals. Always cook food to the proper temperature.
Also take care to refrigerate leftovers quickly. Do not let cooked food remain at room temperature for long periods of time.

Practice safe sex: In case you or your partner has a history of sexually transmitted infections or high-risk behavior, it is always safe to use condoms.
Don’t share your personal belongings: Always use a separate toothbrush, comb, razor etc. for yourself and 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 you may need to protect yourself from infectious diseases.

Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Treatment of infectious diseases depends on the microorganism causing the infection.

• If an infectious disease is caused by bacteria, treatment with antibiotics usually kills it and ends the infection.
• Viral infections are usually treated with antiviral medications. Supportive therapies like rest and increased fluid intake also help in curing viral infections.
• Doctors treat fungal infections with antifungal medications and parasitic infections with antiparasitic drugs.

In all cases, specific symptoms of infectious diseases are treated by doctors or general physicians according to the latest medical guidelines. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and explore possible treatment options.

If you are suffering from any infectious disease and need to consult a doctor, you can get in touch with the AccuHealth team. We have an expert panel of general physicians in both our Baruipur and Kasba centres to help you get well. You can book an instant doctor appointment by calling us on our toll-free number 1800-120-3877.