Infectious Diseases Are Our Biggest Crisis
There are four main kinds of germs that cause infectious diseases. Bacteria are single-cell germs that have the ability to multiply rapidly and release chemicals that will make you sick. Viruses are capsules containing genetic information and use your own cells to multiply. Fungi are vegetable-like mushrooms or mildew that will make you ill and protozoa are single-cell predators that are looking for a host where they can eat and live. The idea of contracting communicable diseases is enough to make anyone want to live in a bubble, but the body is naturally very resilient, so simply washing your hands can avoid most trouble.
These are not every day health issues we face such as colds or hair loss that we can take vitamins for and hope for the best. What we are discussing are viral, contagious diseases like AIDS, Smallpox, Ebola, Hepatitis, sexually transmitted Herpes or HPV, Influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rabies, SARS, West Nile, Meningitis, Mono, Pneumonia and Yellow Fever. Then there are bacterial, transmittable diseases such as yeast infection Anthrax, Botulism, Cat Scratch Fever, Cholera, Diphtheria, Gonorrhea, Leprosy, Lyme disease, Strept Throat, Salmonella, Scarlet Fever, Tuberculosis, Typhus and Shingles. Some transferable diseases are transmitted via parasites, such as Chagas Disease, Malaria, Pinworm Infection, Scabies, Trichomoniasis, Giardiasis, Echinococcosis and other rare diseases. Other times, diseases are transmitted through fungus or prion (proteins).
Pets can sometimes transmit infectious diseases. For example, cats and dogs can give their owners a Campylobacter infection, which causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted by ticks that cause fever, chills, muscle aches, head aches and rashes. Rabies leads to death and Ringworm appears as flaky, red, swollen patches. Toxocariasis, which is caused by roundworms, leads to fever, coughing, an enlarged liver and lymph nodes. Pregnant women are especially nervous about getting Toxoplasmosis from cat feces, which can cause miscarriage, premature birth, illness or blindness in newborns; in others, it causes swollen glands, chronic fatigue, fever, muscle aches and rashes. Birds can transfer communicable diseases like Cryptococcosis, which is a pneumonia-causing fungus or Psittacosis, which is a bacteria that causes coughing, high fever, headaches. Reptiles are noted with transferring Salmonellosis, which causes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and rodents can give people Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus, causing flu-like symptoms that may require hospitalization.
The good news is that you can prevent most infectious diseases just through simple tasks like washing your hands, getting immunization shots as scheduled and taking medication when needed. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and wash your hands immediately to avoid contamination. Be sure you use soap and water for at least 15 seconds — scrubbing each finger, the back of your hand and beneath rings for the best result. Stay home if you show signs or symptoms of infection. Be sure to keep all food areas clean and clean the bathroom frequently. Use condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and avoid sharing toothbrushes, combs, drinking glasses, razor blades and makeup. Keep your pets healthy and vaccinated, and obtain shots yourself if you’re traveling to a Third World country, just to be safe.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment