Should we simply learn about the infectious diseases we get?

Oh, sometimes we suddenly feel sick, don't we? We catch a cold, we get a fever, and our body starts to ache. These kinds of illnesses are often caused by tiny organisms that enter our bodies from outside. We call these infectious diseases . If we know about these, it is easier for us to protect ourselves from them and recover quickly if we do get them.

What are these infectious diseases? Simply put...

Simply put, infectious diseases are diseases caused by harmful organisms (pathogens) that enter our bodies from outside, or as we call them, germs . There are several types of germs. For example, viruses , bacteria , fungi , parasites , etc. Very rarely, things called prions can also cause this.

Imagine, we have all had an infectious disease like this at some point in our lives. When someone coughs or sneezes, those germs can enter our bodies when we breathe them in. These can be spread by animals like mosquitoes, by eating dirty food, or even by the environment around us. Common colds, flu, respiratory infections like COVID, stomach upsets, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and eczema on the limbs are good examples of these infectious diseases.

The most important thing is to remember that these diseases are contagious and can spread from one person to another .

So what are non-communicable diseases?

There are also diseases that are a little different. They are called noninfectious diseases . These are not caused by germs. They can be caused by genetic factors, changes in the body's structure, or aging. You cannot catch these diseases from other people, animals, or food. For example, things like cancer, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and Alzheimer's disease fall into the category of noncommunicable diseases.

What types of germs cause infectious diseases?

As we mentioned earlier, infectious diseases are caused by different types of germs. Let's look at that in a little more detail.

• Viral infections: Viruses are small pieces of genetic information (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protective shell. They enter our cells and cause disease. Colds, flu, measles, chickenpox, dengue, and COVID-19 are some of the diseases caused by viruses.
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms. Their genetic information is contained in a small piece of DNA . Some bacteria are good for us, but some cause illness. Bacteria can cause things like strep throat, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections.
• Fungal infections: Fungi live on our skin and in the environment. However, if they grow too much or go to places they shouldn't be on the body, they can cause illness. Fungi are responsible for skin diseases, ringworm, and candida infections.
• Parasitic infections: Parasites are organisms that live in the body of another organism and get their food and drink from that organism. Malaria, hookworms, pinworms, etc. are caused by parasites.
• Prion diseases: These are very rare diseases. They are also called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) . They are caused by a type of protein that is made incorrectly. These faulty proteins also misfold other good proteins.

What infectious diseases do we see most often?

There are actually hundreds of infectious diseases. But here are a few of the most common ones that affect millions of people around the world:

• Common cold
• Covid-19 (COVID-19)
• Flu
• Hookworms
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections
• Norovirus (a virus that causes stomach upset)
• Pinworms
• Ringworm (e.g. athlete's foot)
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) (an infection of the respiratory system)
• Throat infections (Strep throat)
• Tuberculosis

What are the possible symptoms of infectious diseases?

The symptoms of an infectious disease vary depending on the disease . For example, a fungal infection usually shows symptoms in a specific area of ​​the skin, such as itching or redness. However, viral and bacterial infections can cause symptoms in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

• Chills
• Cough
• Stomach upset (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
• Feeling tired (Fatigue)
• Fever
• Headache
• Body pain, muscle aches
• Runny or stuffy nose

What are the causes of infectious diseases?

As we discussed earlier, infectious diseases are caused by germs . These germs easily enter the body through places like our mouths, noses, and cuts on our skin. When these germs enter the body, damage or destroy our cells, and our immune system responds to them, we develop symptoms.

How do these infectious diseases spread?

Infectious diseases spread in a variety of ways. Here are some of the ways:

• From person to person: When someone coughs or sneezes, germs can be released into the air and inhaled by someone nearby, who can become infected.
• Through close contact: kissing, sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal sex).
• By using the same dishes.
• From surfaces: Doorknobs, phones, and table tops can be contaminated with germs. If you touch them and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can become infected.
• By contact with the feces of an infected person or animal.
• From bites from insects or other animals: from animals like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
• From dirty or poorly cooked food and drinks.
• Working with soil or sand that contains germs (e.g. gardening).
• From a pregnant mother to her unborn child or newborn baby (this is called vertical transmission ).
• From medical treatments like blood donation and organ transplants (these are now largely controlled).

Imagine, if you're on public transport and someone sneezes, you could get those germs. Or, if you buy food from a shop that isn't cooked properly, it could give you a stomach ache. We need to be a little more careful about things like this.

Who is at higher risk of developing these diseases?

Anyone can get an infectious disease, but some people are at a slightly higher risk:

• People with a weakened immune system: people with cancer, HIV infection, and those taking immunosuppressive medications.
• Pregnant mothers.
• People over 60 years of age.
• People working in healthcare.
• People who live in or travel to hot, tropical regions.

Also, this risk is higher for young children under 5 years of age . The reason is that their immune systems are not yet fully developed.

Can infectious diseases cause serious complications?

Most infectious diseases can be easily cured. However, sometimes, they can cause serious complications . These include:

• Dehydration ( water retention)
• Pneumonia ( lung infection)
• Sepsis ( blood poisoning)
• Swelling of the brain and spinal cord or their coverings (encephalitis or meningitis)

Some viruses can even cause cancers such as liver cancer and cervical cancer.

How do doctors diagnose this disease?

Doctors usually look at your symptoms, lab tests, and sometimes imaging tests to determine if you have an infectious disease. To look for symptoms, a doctor may do things like:

• Taking a swab test from your nose or throat.
• Testing blood, urine, stool, or saliva samples.
• A biopsy is a test that involves taking a small sample of skin or other tissue.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays , CT scans , or MRI scans of the affected parts of the body.

How are infectious diseases treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition . Sometimes, your doctor may recommend monitoring your symptoms instead of prescribing medication. Treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Antiviral medications for viral infections (but most can be controlled at home with over-the-counter medications).
• Antifungal medications (including lotions and creams) for fungal infections.
• Antiparasitic drugs for parasitic infections.
• Sometimes, even surgery is required to treat fungal or bacterial infections.

However, there is currently no cure for prion diseases.

What time should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms of an infectious disease, especially if they do not improve after a week or two , be sure to see a doctor. If you have a persistent infection, seeing a doctor regularly and seeking advice can help prevent your condition from getting worse.

If you're planning to travel abroad, talk to your doctor about that too. He or she can tell you how to protect yourself from infections that are common in the country you're visiting. Or, if you've recently traveled and are experiencing symptoms, telling your doctor about it can help him or her decide what additional tests you need to perform.

Can't we protect ourselves from these infectious diseases? (Prevention)

There is no single method that can protect you 100% from infectious diseases. However, there are many simple practices that we can do to reduce the risk of infection . You can think of it like the Swiss cheese model . This was suggested by a man named James Reason, PhD. Imagine that you have several slices of cheese stacked on top of each other. Some of the slices have holes. But when you stack several slices together, the hole in one slice is covered by the other slice. That's how you stack these defenses.

Here are some such security measures:

• Getting recommended vaccinations: Ask your doctor which vaccines are right for you.
• Be mindful of food safety: Avoid eating raw or unpasteurized food, store and heat food at the correct temperature, wash or peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and thoroughly wash utensils used while cooking.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water: It is especially important to wash your hands before preparing food, before eating, after using the toilet, after touching animal or human feces, and after gardening or working with soil.
• Think about others: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Reduce contact with others when you or someone else is sick. Wear a mask if you must be around others. Do not share personal items, eating utensils, or other personal items with others.
• Keeping frequently touched surfaces and items clean: things like phones, tabletops, doorknobs, and toys.
• Safe sex practices: Use a condom or dental dam when having sex.
• Protect yourself from insects: Use mosquito repellent, cover yourself with as much clothing as possible, and check for ticks when you go into a forest or tall grassy area.

What are emerging infectious diseases?

This refers to diseases that have been newly identified, or that are affecting more people than before. Special research is being done on such diseases.

What are the most common infectious diseases in young children?

Babies and children are more susceptible to infectious diseases. This is because their immune systems are still developing . They also cannot follow the same hygiene habits as adults. Some of the most common infectious diseases in children are:

• Cold
• Fifth disease
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
• Flu
• Pinworm
• RSV
• Ringworm
• Roseola (a fever with red spots on the skin)
• Strep throat
• Whooping cough (pertussis)

We live with viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites every day. In fact, there are ten times as many bacteria in your body as there are human cells - we couldn't live without them! However, some of these tiny creatures in our world can be harmful to us.

Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself and others healthy. Simple habits like washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can help protect your loved ones and neighbors from serious illness. Something small you do could help save someone's life.

Let's remember the most important things (Take-Home Message)

• Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) that can spread from one person to another .
• Various illnesses, from the common cold to serious infections, fall into this category.
• Good hygiene practices (washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing), getting recommended vaccinations , and safe eating habits go a long way in protecting against these diseases.
• If you have symptoms, especially if they are severe or do not improve within a few days, it is best to seek medical advice .
• Our small habits can provide great protection for ourselves and others in society.

So, let's all try to stay healthy, thinking about these things, right?

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