 Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. These diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another.  Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases in animals that can cause disease when transmitted to humans via bites or stings from insects.

Most Common Infectious Diseases diseases.html

Signs and Symptoms  Each infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms commonly associated are:  Fever  Loss of appetite  Fatigue  Muscle aches  Difficulty breathing  Unusual rash or swelling  Severe headaches

Bacteria  Bacteria are living things that are neither plants nor animals, but belong to a group all by themselves.  No more than one single cell--however there are normally millions of them together, for they can multiply really fast.  Bacteria exist in and out of the body, most are harmless and some even do good for our bodies.  Some cause disease, either because they end up in the wrong place or because they are “designed” to invade us.  Responsible for disease such as strep throat, UTIs, and Tuberculosis

Viruses  Smallest of all pathogens, too small to be seen by the naked eye  Unable to multiply on their own, they must invade a host cell and take it over in order to make more virus particles.  The cells of mucous membranes, such as those lining our respiratory passages that we breathe through, are open to virus attacks because they are not covered by protective skin.  Can cause a multitude of disease, from the common cold to AIDS

Fungi  Fungi are actually primitive vegetables (mushrooms, mold, and mildew are examples)  Can live in air, in soil, on plants, and in water  About half of all types are harmful  Some reproduce through tiny spores in the air. You can inhale them or they land on your skin. Most fungal infections start in the lungs or skin  You are more likely to get a fungal infection if you have a weakened immune system or take antibiotics.  Common fungal infections include Athlete’s Foot and a Yeast Infection.

Athlete’s Foot Fungus Yeast Infection

Spreading Infectious Diseases  Physical contact with infected person o Skin to skin, kissing, sneeze/cough  Contact with contaminated object o Most infections die quickly when exposed to air. Some can survive on objects.  Environmental sources o Old food left unrefrigerated o Fungus/mold in water o Contaminated soil  Contact with contaminated animals o Bites/insect stings

Stages of Disease  Exposure  Incubation Period  Prodromal Period  Acute Stage  Recovery Stage  Convalescence  Immunity

Exposure  Your first time being exposed to the disease. The disease enters your body. Incubation Period  The period of time where the disease is in your body, but you show no signs or symptoms. The disease (bacteria, virus, parasite) is multiplying. Prodromal Stage  During this period, you begin to show signs and symptoms. You feel achy, sore and fatigue. At this point you are contagious.

Acute Stage  Symptoms become most severe. You are most contagious during this period. Recovery Stage  Signs and symptoms begin to decrease. You begin to feel better, but you are still contagious to others. Covalescence Stage  Infection is out of your system. However, you are not quite feeling 100% yet. You are subject to relapse. In order to keep from relapsing, you need plenty of rest, fluids, healthy diet and antibiotics.

Immunity Stage  You are back to feeling normal. Your body has developed antibodies to the disease you had. This will prevent you from contracting the same disease in the future.

Ways to Prevent Infections  Thoroughly washing your hands WITH SOAP!!!  Avoid rubbing eyes or nose after shaking hands with a person with a cold  Food should be cooked or cooled as quickly as possible  Vegetables and meat should be stored separately and prepared on separate chopping boards.  The use of condoms during sexual intercourse reduces the likelihood of spreading sexually transmitted diseases.