We often get sick with something like a cold, a fever, or a stomach ache. Sometimes the whole family gets sick at the same time. Or several people in the office get the same illness. Have you ever wondered why this happens? These are what we simply call infectious diseases . These are caused by small organisms, or germs, that enter our bodies from outside. Today, we will talk about all this, very simply, in a way that you can understand.
Let's first see, what are these infectious diseases?
Simply put, infectious diseases are diseases caused by a pathogen or germ entering our body. There are several types of these germs. The main ones that we have all heard of are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites . Very rarely, diseases can also be caused by something called prions .
Think about it, when someone coughs or sneezes, germs are released into the air through tiny droplets from their mouth and nose. When we breathe in that air, those germs enter our bodies. Also, these germs can enter our bodies from animals like mosquitoes, from dirty food and drink, and from things around us.
Common colds, flu, COVID-19, stomach flu, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and ringworm are all examples of infectious diseases.
So what are non-communicable diseases?
It is important to know this too. Non-infectious diseases are not caused by germs. They are caused by factors such as our genes, structural changes in the body, or aging . These diseases are not transmitted from one person to another. They are not transmitted from food or animals. For example, you can get things like diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure.
What are these disease-causing germs?
As we mentioned earlier, there are several main types of germs that cause us illness. Let's take a simple look at each of them. It's easier for you to understand this information if you put it in a table.
| Type of germ | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Viruses | These are like a piece of genetic information (DNA or RNA) inside a small protective shell. A virus cannot live alone. It enters a cell in our body, takes control of that cell, and makes thousands of copies of itself. Viruses cause diseases like colds, influenza (flu), dengue, and COVID-19. |
| Bacteria | These are tiny organisms made up of single cells. There are millions of bacteria in and around our bodies. Most of them are good for us. But some bad bacteria can cause illness if they get into our bodies. Bacteria cause things like strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections. |
| Fungi | Fungi are also present on our skin and in our environment. Usually, they are not a problem. But sometimes, if they grow too much or go to places on the body where they are not supposed to be, they can cause infections. Fungi are the cause of things like athlete's foot and thrush. |
| Parasites | These organisms live on the body of another organism. Examples include tapeworms, hookworms, and the parasite that causes malaria. |
| Prions | This is a very rare condition. These are made up of proteins. These misfolded proteins also misfold healthy proteins in our brain. This damages the brain. The diseases caused by these are very serious, and they are very rare. |
What are the common symptoms of infectious diseases?
The symptoms of an infectious disease depend on the type of disease you have. For example, a fungal infection usually affects only a specific area. Things like a rash or itching on the skin.
However, viral and bacterial infections can affect many parts of the body. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Body aches and muscle pains
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Digestive system problems (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
The most important thing is that if you have these symptoms, especially if the fever lasts more than two or three days, you should definitely see your doctor . Avoid self-medicating.
How are these diseases transmitted?
This is something we all need to be aware of. Different diseases spread in different ways.
- When someone coughs or sneezes: When someone coughs, millions of germs from their respiratory system are released into the air. When someone nearby breathes in that air, they can become infected. This is more likely to happen in crowded places like buses and trains.
- Some diseases are spread through close contact: kissing, sex, etc.
- Sharing utensils and cups: When someone else uses items such as cups, plates, and spoons that have been used by one person, germs can be transmitted through saliva.
- By touching surfaces: Germs can remain on surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and tabletops for hours. If we touch those surfaces and then touch our mouth, nose, or eyes with the same hand, the germs can enter our bodies.
- Through human or animal feces: Some germs are passed through feces. These can be spread by using dirty toilets or preparing food with dirty hands.
- By biting animals or insects: This is how diseases like dengue are transmitted from mosquitoes, rat fever from rats, and rabies from dogs.
- Contaminated food or water: Eating food that is not properly cooked or prepared in an unclean manner, or drinking unclean water can cause diseases such as stomach diseases, cholera, and typhoid.
- From pregnant mother to child: Some infections can be transmitted from mother to child in the womb or during birth.
- Through medical procedures: There is also a risk of transmission through improperly sterilized equipment and infected blood transfusions (but this is very low nowadays).
Who is at higher risk of developing infectious diseases?
Anyone can get an infectious disease, but some people are at a slightly higher risk.
- People with weakened immune systems: cancer patients, HIV infected people, people taking medications that suppress immunity.
- Pregnant mothers
- People over 60 years old
- People working in the health sector
- Young children under 5 years old: Because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
What are the possible complications of these diseases?
Most infectious diseases are easily treatable and we recover from them without serious complications. However, sometimes, especially if not treated properly, serious complications can occur.
- Dehydration: Loss of water from the body due to things like vomiting and diarrhea.
- Pneumonia: Spread of infection to the lungs.
- Sepsis: An overreaction of the body to infection that affects the entire body. This can be life-threatening.
- Brain or spinal cord infections: Serious conditions such as brain infection (encephalitis) or infection of the membranes covering the brain (meningitis).
How does a doctor diagnose this disease?
Usually, a doctor will determine the exact nature of your illness by listening to your symptoms, examining you, and, if necessary, conducting several tests.
- Taking a sample (swab) from your nose or throat.
- Testing blood, urine, stool, or saliva samples.
- In the case of a skin infection, a small piece of skin is scraped off and examined (biopsy).
- Sometimes, X-rays and CT scans are used to examine affected body parts.
How to protect yourself from infectious diseases? (This is the most important thing!)
There is no way to protect yourself 100% from infectious diseases. However, there are many simple habits that can greatly reduce our risk. It is like having several slices of cheese with holes on top of each other. The hole in one slice is covered by the other slice. Similarly, when we follow several safe habits together, we get a good amount of protection.
| Safe method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Vaccinations | For a child, get all the vaccines in the National Immunization Program on time. Some vaccines are also recommended for adults. Talk to your doctor about this. |
| Preparing food safely | Wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Cook meat, fish, and eggs thoroughly. Keep food preparation utensils and boards clean. When eating out, eat from a clean place. |
| Wash your hands frequently. | Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to wash your hands especially before eating, after using the bathroom, after touching an animal, and after coming home from outside. |
| Respect for others | Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. If you have a contagious illness, stay away from others. Be sure to wear a mask. |
| No exchange of personal items | Do not share your used cups, plates, or towels with others. |
| Protection from insect bites | Use mosquito nets. Clean mosquito breeding areas. If you go to a forest, wear clothes that cover your body. |
Take-Home Message
- Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by germs (such as viruses and bacteria) entering our bodies. These can spread from person to person.
- Colds, flu, dengue, and COVID-19 are some of the common infectious diseases among us.
- Simple things like washing your hands frequently with soap, covering your mouth when coughing, and getting regular vaccinations can go a long way toward protecting yourself from these diseases.
- If you have symptoms of an infectious disease, especially if your fever and cough do not improve within a few days, see a doctor immediately . Do not self-medicate with antibiotics.
- A small safety habit we practice can be a big safety net for our family, friends, and the rest of society.
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