Some of the Most Common Infectious Diseases

In today's world we are constantly faced with information about infectious diseases, infection control and disease prevention. We are all aware of the methods that we should apply to prevent the spread of infectious disease, such as washing of hands with antibacterial soap, using hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and wipes as well as mouth covers. We are all aware of how to prevent infectious diseases, but we may not all be aware of what it is that we are avoiding. Lets look at the four of the most common infectious diseases in North America.

Chicken Pox (Varicella Zoster Virus)

Chicken Pox is generally considered being a children's illness, but the truth is that Chicken pox is that in recent years, chicken pox has become more prevalent in adults and teenagers. This disease can be transmitted via direct contact with an infected person. Infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with an infected individual during the virulent stag of infection. Common infectious disease prevention techniques are extremely effective in the prevention of Chicken Pox, and a vaccine is available which can help to prevent infection.

Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis)

Strep Throat is a particularly common infectious disease which is indicative of swollen tonsils, Difficulty swallowing, Malaise, general discomfort, feeling ill, Fever, Fever Headache, Chills, Ear pain Hives, Bumps, bruises, inflammation, or swelling on the side of the neck. Infection occurs by direct contact with an infected person. Common prevention techniques are useful to a point, but the best prevention is to avoid all contact with the infected person until the fever period has ended.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in North America. Hepatitis comes in three main forms, all of which are caused by related viruses. The most common form of hepatitis is Hepatitis A, this is most often seen in its acute form, and usually lasts for less than six months from primary infection. Hepatitis A is also the main cause of liver disease worldwide, with Hepatitis C following closely behind. Treatments for Hepatitis are Dependent on the strain of virus that is the key acting virus of the infection. Prevention via common infectious diseases management techniques is highly effective. Infection depends on the particular virus of exposure.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a disease that can affect either one or both of the lungs on a person. This results in the inflammation of the lungs, along with the lungs filling up with fluid. There are several causes that can be linked back to the catching of pneumonia. Some of the more common causes of this condition include breathing in of bacteria, fungi or a virus. When a person has pneumonia, there are several symptoms that are related to a person who has this type of infectious disease. These symptoms include a cough, accompanied with chest pain and difficulty in their breathing. Many people who develop pneumonia have to be hospitalized in order to effectively treat this condition. Many times however, this can be treated with antibiotics that your doctor will prescribe for you.