Facts About the Common Cold Colds are one of the most frequently occurring communicable diseases. They are so common because they are spread in several ways, both direct and indirect contact. Hundreds of different viruses can cause colds. Each time you get a cold it is probably a different virus making it impossible to develop a cold vaccine.

Facts About the Common Cold Symptoms of the common cold include. Stuffy nose Runny nose Sore throat Body aches tired

Facts About the Flu Influenza-is a communicable disease characterized by fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and respiratory symptoms. Symptoms are similar to a cold but caused by a different virus. It begins more suddenly and lasts longer than a cold. As with a cold, the flu can be spread through direct and indirect contact.

Facts About the Flu The peak months of flu season are December through early March. Each year different strains of flu viruses are responsible for the disease.

Chicken Pox, Measles, and Mumps Contagious period-the length of time when a particular disease can be spread from person to person. Depending on the disease, this may be unknown or may vary. Chicken pox, measles and mumps have well- defined contagious periods.

Chicken Pox, Measles, and Mumps Chicken Pox-involves an itchy rash, fever, headache and body aches. It begins as small red bumps that develop into blisters. Contagious from to days before the rash appears until six days after. There is now a chicken pox vaccine.

Chicken Pox, Measles, and Mumps Measles-a rash, accompanied by fever, runny nose, and coughing. Contagious period is several days before rash appears until five days after. Measles are less common in the United States due to a measles vaccine that is given to children.

Chicken Pox, Measles, and Mumps Mumps-cause fever, headache, and swollen salivary glands. Most contagious around time when symptoms appear. Can infect others seven days before symptoms appear until nine days after. Like measles, mumps is now uncommon because of a vaccine.

Other Communicable Diseases Mononucleosis-a disease characterized by swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and throat. Disease is caused by a virus and is most common in teens and young adults. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, headache and sore throat. Virus is spread through kissing and sharing of drinking glasses and eating utensils.

Other Communicable Diseases Mono Treatment includes rest and pain relievers. Symptoms last three to six weeks. Hepatitis-is the inflammation of the liver characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Other symptoms include: weakness, nausea, fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite. Three most common forms are A, B and C.

Other Communicable Diseases Hepatitis A-can be contracted from contaminated food or water. People who live or travel to areas with poor sanitation are at risk. Hepatitis B and C-permanently damage the liver are spread through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Spread by sharing of needles. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact.

Other Communicable Diseases Treatment for hepatitis includes rest and a healthy diet. Most people recover completely, but some infected with hepatitis B are infected for life. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C can be treated with medication.

Other Communicable Diseases Tuberculosis-a bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs. Symptoms include: cough, fatigue, night sweats, fever, and weight loss. Spread through cough or sneeze droplets in the air. Can be treated with antibiotics. After many years of decline, cases are increasing.

Other Communicable Diseases Pneumonia-a serious inflammation or infection of the lungs. Caused by viruses or bacteria. Inhaling airborne pathogens. Having direct contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough, weakness, chills, and difficulty breathing. Treatment varies on the type and severity. Antibiotics, rest and plenty of fluids are recommended.

Other Communicable Diseases Strep throat-a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria. Symptoms include: red and painful throat, fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck. Headache, nausea or vomiting can occur. Spread through direct contact or breathing in cough droplets. Treatment includes antibiotics. Left untreated strep can lead to rheumatic fever, which damages the heart.

Vaccination Schedules See figure 12.5 on page 345