Common Infectious Diseases

Cold Infection causes inflammation of the mucous in nose Caused by breathing contagious droplets or direct contact ( rhinovirus) S/S: –Runny or stuffy nose –Sneezing –Sore throat TX: rest, water, nutrition

Influenza Infection of the respiratory tract. Caused by direct or indirect contact (viruses) S/S: –Chills, Fever –Headache –Muscle ache TX: rest, water, nutrition, Tylenol

Tuberculosis Highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs -Spread through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing) S/S: coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, weight loss TX: antibiotics

Meningitis (-itis=inflammation Inflammation of the meninges that cover the brain and spinal cord S/S: fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, stiff neck TX: antibiotics

Measles Contagious viral disease that mainly affects children (virus) S/S: rash, fever, runny nose, cough, ear infections TX: immunization

Mononucleosis Viral infection common in people years “kissing disease” because it is transferred through saliva S/S: chills, fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes TX: Tylenol, bed rest for 3-6 months

Hepatitis A From eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with feces

Hepatitis B Coming into contact with contaminated blood Spread: Contaminated medical instruments, sexual contact with infected person, needles More harmful then Hep A, can lead to liver damage

Hepatitis C Like B, spread through contaminated blood Cause liver cancer TX for ABC: vaccine (A&B), rest, proper nutrition, fluids

E - Coli Caused by Bacteria Eating undercooked meat, working with cows, drinking contaminated water S/S: abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloody stools. TX: water, ask doctor about taking medications

Strep Throat Caused by streptococcus bacteria S/S: inflammation of the throat TX: antibiotics

Athletes Foot Fungal infection S/S: itching, rash around the toes and on the foot. TX: anti-fungal medication