Infectious Diseases
This topic will help you learn about infectious diseases.
What are infectious diseases?
- Infectious diseases are health disorders that occur as a result of the entry or multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, such as:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
Parasites
Some of these microorganisms exist naturally in the human body without causing harm. However, when they are transmitted from one person to another, or when their balance in the body changes, they may cause disease symptoms. Infectious diseases, such as influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis, are transmitted through various routes, including direct contact, airborne transmission, water, and contaminated food. Therefore, prevention and personal hygiene are essential for protection, along with the importance of vaccines, which serve as the first line of defense against many of these infectious diseases and help reduce their severity and spread.
What are the causes of infectious diseases?
- Infectious diseases occur when germs, which are microscopic disease-causing organisms, enter the human body. They include several types of organisms, such as:
- Bacteria, such as tuberculosis bacteria and food poisoning bacteria.HPV).
- Viruses, such as influenza, coronavirus, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Fungi, such as foot fungi and oral fungi.
Parasites, such as malaria and intestinal worms.
- Each type of these organisms has different ways of reproducing, transmitting, and causing disease, such as:
- Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, dividing into two identical cells.
- Viruses need a host cell to reproduce by injecting their genetic material into it.
Fungi reproduce through spores or budding.
What are the standards for preventing and controlling infectious diseases?
Infection prevention and control measures aim to interrupt the chain of infection transmission and include:
Personal hygiene
Encouraging regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
Use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
Teaching children how to sneeze and cough into their elbow or a paper tissue and dispose of it.
Facilities cleaning
Daily cleaning of shared surfaces (such as doorknobs, tables, educational tools).
Use appropriate cleaning materials to eliminate germs.
3Ensure restrooms are clean and equipped with hygiene supplies.
Managing infection cases
Isolate children or staff infected with infectious diseases (such as chickenpox) until they recover.
Communicate with parents to send the infected child home if necessary.
4Notify health authorities in case of an outbreak of infectious diseases.
Vaccinations
Ensure that children’s and staff members’ vaccinations are up to date according to the national immunization schedule.
5Encourage individuals to take the annual influenza vaccine.
Safe food and water
Store food properly and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Provide clean and safe drinking water.
What are the ways infectious diseases are transmitted?
- Infectious diseases are transmitted between people and the environment in several ways, including:
Direct transmission: - This occurs through direct physical contact with an infected person, exposure to respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing, or through sexual contact.
Indirect transmission: - This occurs by touching surfaces or tools contaminated with disease-causing organisms, consuming contaminated food or water, as well as through blood transfusion, using unsterilized sharp instruments, or using unclean bathrooms.
Transmission from animals: - Some diseases are transmitted from animals to humans through bites or scratches, or by exposure to fluids and secretions from infected animals, such as brucellosis or rabies.
Transmission from the environment:
Infections can arise in different types of environments, which can be classified based on factors such as the location of infection, the mode of transmission, and the causative agents.
- Examples of some main types of environments where infections arise:
Medical environments (hospitals and clinics)HAIs).
Infections in these settings are known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Examples include surgical wound infections, urinary catheter infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Community environments (local communities)
These are environments where germs or viruses spread among individuals in public places, such as schools, markets, public transportation, and workplaces, through coughing, sneezing, direct contact, or sharing tools.
- Examples include colds, influenza, and gastrointestinal infections (such as Salmonella).
Airborne transmission environments
Infections are transmitted through the air (droplets or dust).
- Examples: tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox.
Direct contact environments
Infections are transmitted through physical contact or contaminated surfaces.
- Examples: scabies, impetigo, and viral eye infections.
Water or food environments
Infections are transmitted through contaminated water or food.
- Examples: cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.
Warm or humid environments
- These conditions promote the growth of bacteria and fungi (such as yeast infections in swimming pools).
Environments with poor hygiene
- Such as places lacking clean water, which increases the risk of intestinal infections.
Animal environments (zoonotic)
Infections occur when diseases are transmitted from animals to humans.
- Example: brucellosis (from unpasteurized milk).
Industrial or laboratory environments
Infections occur in laboratories or research facilities when handling contaminated samples.
Example: anthrax, a bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals, especially in wool factories, through direct or indirect contact.
What are the types of infectious diseases according to their causative organisms?
- Infectious diseases are classified based on the type of microorganism causing them into four main categories:
Bacterialdiseases: - These are caused by bacteria, which are microscopic living organisms that can multiply rapidly in the body. The most common examples are food poisoning and tuberculosis.
Viraldiseases: (HPV) . - These result from the body being infected by viruses, which require human cells to reproduce. Notable examples include human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, and coronavirus.
Fungaldiseases: ( ) - They are caused by fungi, which usually live in warm and humid environments. Well-known examples include tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) and oral fungi.
Parasiticdiseases:
These result from infection by living parasites that multiply inside the body or on its surface. The most common examples are malaria and intestinal worms.
What are the main risk factors that increase the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases?
- Several factors increase the likelihood of contracting infectious diseases, the most important of which are:
Weak immuneHIVsystem - People with diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or those taking immunosuppressive medications, such as cancer patients or organ transplant recipients, are more susceptible to infections because their bodies cannot fight infections efficiently.
- Age
- Children: Their immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to diseases.
- Elderly: They experience a decline in immunity with age, in addition to the possible presence of chronic diseases that increase the risk of infection.
Lack of vaccinations - Ignoring or delaying vaccinations exposes a person to preventable infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, and hepatitis.
Unhealthy living conditions - Lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation services, overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation facilitate the spread of infections, especially those transmitted through water, air, or contact.
Travel to epidemic areas - Traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever, increases the risk of exposure to these diseases.
Working in high-risk occupations
Individuals working in healthcare, laboratories, emergency services, and professions requiring direct contact with patients or biological samples are at higher risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
What are the ways to prevent infectious diseases?
- There are various ways to prevent infectious diseases, including a set of measures that help reduce the risk of infection and transmission, such as:
- General prevention:
- Get the necessary vaccinations on time, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Washing hands regularly with water and soap.
- Avoid direct contact with infected individuals.
- Boost immunity through healthy nutrition and adequate sleep.
- Do not share personal items, such as towels and shaving tools.
- Food- and water-borne diseases:
- Cook food thoroughly to reach a safe temperature.
- Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.
- Drink clean and sterilized water.
- Maintain hygiene when preparing and storing food.
- Respiratory diseases:
- Wear masks in crowded places or during disease outbreaks.
- Ensure good ventilation in enclosed areas.
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or the elbow.
- Get vaccinated against diseases such as influenza.
- Sexually transmitted diseases:
- Use protective methods such as male and female condoms.
- Undergo regular screenings for early detection of infections.
- Get available vaccines, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- Avoid unsafe or unknown relationships.
- Insect-borne diseases:
- Use mosquito nets and insect repellents in infested areas.
- Eliminate stagnant water sources that serve as breeding grounds for insects.
- Wear clothing that covers the body when in mosquito-prone areas.
- Blood- or sharp-instrument-borne diseases:
- Do not share needles or sharp tools with others.
- Ensure proper sterilization of medical instruments.
Use personal protective equipment, such as gloves, when handling blood or biological samples.
What guidelines should be followed when diagnosed with an infectious disease?
- When infected with an infectious disease, it is important to follow specific steps to maintain your health and prevent the spread of infection to others:
Rest at home: - Stay away from work, school, or public places until symptoms disappear to avoid transmitting the infection to others.
Regular handwashing: - Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: - Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose, and dispose of tissues properly.
Avoid sharing personal items: - Do not share items such as toothbrushes, towels, or eating utensils with others.
Follow the doctor’s instructions: - Take all prescribed medications on time and do not stop treatment without consulting the doctor.
Maintain personal and environmental hygiene: - Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, such as door handles and tables.
Report symptoms to health authorities when necessary:
If symptoms worsen or serious signs appear, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
When should specialists be consulted when experiencing symptoms of an infectious disease?
- It is recommended to consult specialists in the following cases to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment:
- When severe or unusual symptoms appear, such as persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or intense pain.
- If symptoms persist for a long time without improvement or worsen over time.
- If you have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system, the risk of complications increases.
- During pregnancy, especially if symptoms appear that could affect your health or the health of the fetus.
- After potential exposure to serious infectious diseases, such as a bite from an animal suspected of having rabies.
Before traveling to areas where certain diseases are prevalent, to receive necessary consultations and preventive vaccinations.
What are the most common misconceptions about infectious diseases?
- “Many misconceptions surround infectious diseases, which can negatively affect prevention andtreatment. The most notable include:
“Antibiotics treat all types of infections”: - This is incorrect, as antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and are not useful for treating viruses, such as influenza or coronavirus.
“The flu vaccine prevents the common cold”: - The vaccine is designed to protect the body only against influenza viruses, not the common cold, which is caused by different viruses.
“Infectious diseases only affect those who neglect hygiene”: - Although hygiene is important, some diseases are transmitted through the air or by an infected person, even when hygiene measures are followed.
“There is no need to get vaccinated for diseases we no longer see”:
Stopping vaccinations can lead to the reappearance of these diseases, posing a significant risk to public health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can vaccines protect me from all infectious diseases?
Vaccines protect against many common and serious diseases, but they do not cover all diseases, so it is also important to follow other preventive measures.
When can I return to work or school after having an infectious disease?
The timing for returning to work or school after an infectious disease depends on the type of infection, the disappearance of main symptoms (such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting), and the end of the contagious period, according to medical recommendations. For example, in the case of a cold or influenza, it is recommended to return 24 hours after the fever has subsided without using fever-reducing medication. After returning, masks should be worn in case of respiratory infections, hands should be washed regularly, and personal items should not be shared until all symptoms completely disappear.
How can I tell if the symptoms I am experiencing are infectious?
Symptoms such as fever, cough, diarrhea, and severe fatigue may indicate an infectious disease. However, it is always best to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis.
Can I get the same infectious disease again?
