{"id":12124,"date":"2025-04-15T14:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T19:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/medical\/?p=12124"},"modified":"2025-03-06T08:28:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T14:28:43","slug":"what-are-infectious-diseases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/medical\/what-are-infectious-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Infectious Diseases?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Infectious Diseases<\/span><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful agents (pathogens) that get into your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common causes are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Infectious diseases usually spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by bug bites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some infectious diseases are minor and some are very serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are infectious diseases?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful organisms (pathogens) that get into your body from the outside. Pathogens that cause infectious diseases are viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and, rarely, prions.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can get infectious diseases from other people, bug bites, and contaminated food, water, or soil.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between infectious diseases and noninfectious diseases?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases are caused by harmful organisms that get into your body from the outside, like viruses and bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

Noninfectious diseases aren\u2019t caused by outside organisms, but by genetics, anatomical differences, getting older, and the environment you live in.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t get noninfectious diseases from other people, by getting a bug bite, or from your food.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the types of infectious diseases?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases can be viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Viral infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viruses are a piece of information (DNA or RNA) inside of a protective shell.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viruses are much smaller than your cells and have no way to reproduce on their own. They get inside your cells and use your cells\u2019 machinery to make copies of themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bacterial infections. Bacteria are single-celled organisms with their instructions written on a small piece of DNA. Bacteria are all around us, including inside our body and on our skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many bacteria are harmless or even helpful, but certain bacteria release toxins that can make you sick.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fungal infections. Like bacteria, there are many different fungi. They live on and in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

When your fungi get overgrown or when harmful fungi get into your body through your mouth, your nose, or a cut in your skin, you can get sick.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Parasitic infections. Parasites use the bodies of other organisms to live and reproduce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parasites include worms (helminths) and some single-celled organisms (protozoa).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 What are common infectious diseases?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases are extremely common worldwide, but some are more common than others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the most common infectious diseases are listed here by type.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common infectious diseases caused by viruses:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Common cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 The flu (influenza).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Stomach flu (gastroenteritis).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Hepatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).<\/span><\/p>\n

Common infectious diseases caused by bacteria:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Strep throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Salmonella.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Tuberculosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Whooping cough (pertussis).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Urinary tract infections (UTIs).<\/span><\/p>\n

Common infectious diseases caused by fungi:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Ringworm (like athlete\u2019s foot).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Fungal nail infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Thrush.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common infectious diseases caused by parasites:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Giardiasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Toxoplasmosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Hookworms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Pinworms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is most at risk for getting infectious diseases?<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone can get an infectious disease. You may be at an increased risk if your immune system is weakened or if you travel to areas with certain highly transmissible diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n

People at higher risk of infectious disease include:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Those with suppressed or compromised immune systems, such as those receiving cancer treatments, living with HIV, or on certain medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0What complications are associated with infectious diseases?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Many infectious diseases resolve without complications, but some can cause lasting damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious and life-threatening complications of various infectious diseases include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Complication\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cause(s)<\/span><\/p>\n

Dehydration\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fever, vomiting, diarrhea<\/span><\/p>\n

Pneumonia\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Respiratory illness (viral or bacterial)<\/span><\/p>\n

Sepsis\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bacterial infections<\/span><\/p>\n

Meningitis has Multiple causes, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections<\/span><\/p>\n

AIDS\/HIV<\/span><\/p>\n

Liver cancer\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hepatitis B, hepatitis C<\/span><\/p>\n

Cervical cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms and Causes<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of infectious diseases?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Symptoms of infectious diseases depend on the type of illness. Fungal infections usually cause localized symptoms, like rash and itching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viral and bacterial infections can have symptoms in many areas of your body, like:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Chills.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Congestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Muscle aches and headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting).<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to see a doctor if you have any chronic (ongoing) symptoms or symptoms that get worse over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes infectious diseases?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Infectious diseases are caused by a variety of agents that invade your body from the outside. <\/span><\/p>\n

These include:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Viruses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Fungi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Parasites.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Prions.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may develop symptoms when your cells are damaged or destroyed by the invading organism, and as your immune system responds to the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do infectious diseases spread?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Depending on the type of infection, there are many ways that infectious diseases can spread. Fortunately, in most cases, there are simple ways to prevent infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your mouth, your nose, and cuts in your skin are common places for pathogens to enter your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diseases can spread:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From person to person when you cough or sneeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, droplets from coughing or sneezing can linger in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From close contact with another person, like kissing or oral, anal, or vaginal sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By sharing utensils or cups with other people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Through contact with poop from a person or animal with an infectious disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Through bugs (mosquito or tick) or animal bites.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From contaminated or improperly prepared food or water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From working with contaminated soil or sand (like gardening).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From a pregnant person to the fetus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From blood transfusions, organ\/tissue transplants, or other medical procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diagnosis and Tests<\/span><\/p>\n

How are infectious diseases diagnosed?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider usually diagnoses infectious diseases using one or more lab tests. Your provider can look for signs of disease by:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Swabbing your nose or throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Getting blood, pee (urine), poop (stool), or saliva samples.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Taking a biopsy or scraping a small sample of skin or other tissue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Getting imaging (X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) of affected parts of your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some test results, like from a nose swab, come back quickly, but other results might take longer. For instance, sometimes bacteria have to be grown in a lab (cultured) from a sample before you can get your test result.<\/span><\/p>\n

Management and Treatment<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment depends on what causes the infection. Sometimes your healthcare provider will recommend monitoring your symptoms rather than taking medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. The right antibiotic depends on what bacteria cause the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You can manage most viral infections with over-the-counter medications for your symptoms until you feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Parasites can be treated with antiparasitic drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are no treatments for prion diseases.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is antibiotic resistance?<\/span><\/p>\n

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria develop mutations that make it harder for our medicines to destroy them.<\/span><\/p>\n

This happens when antibiotics are overused, such as for minor infections that your body could fight off on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antibiotic resistance makes some types of bacterial infections very difficult to treat and more likely to be life-threatening.<\/span><\/p>\n

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)<\/span><\/p>\n

Is an example of a bacterial infection that has become antibiotic-resistant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare providers are working to reduce antibiotic resistance. You can help protect yourself by finishing all of your antibiotic medication as prescribed. This helps to make sure all of the bacteria are destroyed and can\u2019t mutate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prevention<\/span><\/p>\n

Can infectious diseases be prevented?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many simple ways to reduce your risk of infectious disease and even prevent certain illnesses altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccines<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccines reduce your risk of getting an infectious disease by training your immune system to recognize and fight off infections from harmful invaders. <\/span><\/p>\n

While people sometimes do still get sick with a disease after getting vaccinated for it, your symptoms are usually less severe than they would\u2019ve been without the vaccination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccines are available for many common infectious diseases, including:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Chickenpox.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Hepatitis A.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Hepatitis B.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Human papillomavirus (HPV).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Influenza.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Malaria.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Measles, mumps, and rubella.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Polio.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Rotavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Rabies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Shingles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Tuberculosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

The CDC has up-to-date recommendations for vaccinations for children, adolescents, and adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe food handling<\/span><\/p>\n

Safe food handling habits help prevent certain infectious diseases.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before, during, and after food preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Peel or thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Freeze meats at 0\u00b0F (-18\u00b0C) until ready to thaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Cook meats to a safe temperature before eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Wash food preparation surfaces and utensils with soap and water after use.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Don\u2019t eat uncooked or undercooked seafood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7 Don\u2019t drink untreated water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Don\u2019t drink unpasteurized milk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other ways to help prevent infectious disease<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to vaccines and safe food handling habits, you can reduce your risk of coming down with or spreading an infectious disease with a few everyday practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wash your hands with soap and water. Thorough hand-washing is particularly important before preparing a meal or eating, and after using the bathroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid contact with people who are sick with an infectious disease or sharing personal items with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Avoid contact with others while you are sick with an infectious disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t drink from or swim in water that could be contaminated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wear a mask around others when you are sick or as recommended by the CDC.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Use a condom during any kind of sex.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To reduce the risk of tick or mosquito bites, use bug repellent approved for ticks and mosquitoes, cover as much exposed skin as you can with clothing, and check for ticks after being in the woods or areas with long grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outlook \/ Prognosis<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the outcomes after treatment for infectious diseases?<\/span><\/p>\n

With treatment, most people get better after being sick with an infectious disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes there can still be serious complications, especially with respiratory illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n

People with compromised immune systems are more at risk for serious complications, but they can happen in healthy people too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some diseases can\u2019t be cured, but medications can help prevent serious complications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sexually transmitted infections can cause infertility or even lead to cancer, so it\u2019s important to take steps to protect yourself and others.<\/span><\/p>\n

When should I call my healthcare provider concerning an infectious disease?<\/span><\/p>\n

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any symptoms of infectious disease, especially if they\u2019re unusual or don\u2019t go away over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have an ongoing infection, frequent follow-ups with your provider can help ensure your condition doesn\u2019t worsen.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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