Infectious Respiratory Diseases Communicable Diseases Unit Lesson 2

Five Types Common cold Influenza Pneumonia Strep Throat Tuberculosis

The Common Cold Over 200 viruses can cause a cold Virus that infects the nose High levels of stress can increase chance of catching a cold Exposed to cold weather/getting chilled does not cause a cold! Takes about 2-7 days to show symptoms

The Common Cold Transmission Symptoms Direct and indirect contact Runny nose Nasal congestion Sneezing Headache Cough/sore throat Last 2-14 days

The Common Cold Treatment Prevention Rest and fluids Over-the-counter meds Prevention Good hygiene Avoid close contact with infected people Rest, fluids, and good diet

Influenza (The Flu) Infection of the nose, throat, and lungs Can cause complications (elderly, babies, people with chronic diseases) Constantly changing (harder to form antibodies)

Influenza (The Flu) Transmission Symptoms Direct and indirect contact Can spread rapidly in crowded places Symptoms Fever Headache Fatigue Cough Sore throat Muscle aches Others…

Influenza (The Flu) Treatment Prevention Rest and fluids Over-the-counter meds Children and teens should not take aspirin if have the flu – can lead to Reye’s Syndrome Prevention Avoid contact with infected people Good hygiene Flu shots

Pneumonia Infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens Mild to severe and fatal Transmission Direct and indirect contact Untreated respiratory infections

Pneumonia Symptoms Cough with mucus Fever Chest pain Shallow/trouble breathing Fatigue Others…

Pneumonia Treatment Prevention Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia Viral may need hospital care Prevention Avoid contact with infected people Good hygiene Prompt treatment of respiratory infections

Strep Throat Bacterial infection in throat Can lead to rheumatic fever Transmission Direct and indirect contact Symptoms Fever Sever sore throat Red throat with sores

Strep Throat Treatment Prevention Antibiotics Rest and fluids Avoid contact with infected people Good hygiene

Tuberculosis Bacterial infection in lungs People with weakened immune systems more likely to contract (elderly, HIV infected, homeless, malnourished) Transmission Direct and indirect contact (airborne)

Tuberculosis Symptoms Treatment Mild cough and fever Fatigue Weight loss Night sweats Coughing up blood Treatment Antibiotics (some pathogens are resistant)

Tuberculosis Prevention Avoid contact with infected people Rooms with good ventilation reduce the risk of spreading TB