Communicable Disease Definition

Communicable Disease Definition

A sickness that may spread from one person or animal to another, or from a surface to a person, is referred to as a "communicable disease". These include the flu and colds. Pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungus bring on these illnesses. Airborne, body fluid-contact, insect bites, contaminated surfaces, water, food, and afflicted objects are some of the ways that communicable illnesses can be spread.

What are Communicable Diseases?

Any disease that spreads from one person or animal to another is considered a communicable disease. Occasionally, the terms "infectious" or "transmissible" are used to describe communicable illnesses.

Pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, bring on communicable diseases.

Typical Methods That Spread Communicable Diseases

• Nose, mouth, or eyes to hands to others

Germs can spread from the nose, mouth, or eyes to the hands and then to other family members or friends by sneezing, coughing, or wiping the eyes. One of the diseases that may be prevented by merely washing your hands is the common cold and eye infections.

• Hands to food

Generally, sick food preparer who neglect to wash their hands after using the bathroom spreads germs from dirty hands to food. Those who ingest the meal subsequently contract the bacteria. Washing your hands after using the restroom and preparing meals is an easy way to avoid contracting this disease.

• Food to hands to food

As food is prepared, hands can become contaminated with germs from raw foods like chicken. In turn, other raw foods like salad are contaminated by the bacteria on the hands. While the original germs in the raw food are eliminated by cooking it, the salad is still infected.

• Infected child to other kids

When a child has diarrhea, the parent's hands come into contact with the germs during the diaper change. The bacteria that cause diarrhea are then spread to other people if the parent doesn't wash their hands right away.

• People to animals

Please wash your hands after stroking animals or interacting with anything they have touched.

Types of Communicable Diseases

Viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa are the four primary categories of pathogens that cause infection:

Viruses

Small infections called viruses carry genetic material. They lack the intricate structure of a cell, in contrast to other diseases.

They must go inside other living things' cells to reproduce. They enter the cell and duplicate themselves using the equipment within.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled, tiny creatures. They may be discovered nearly everywhere in the world, even inside the human body.

Many bacteria are beneficial, and some even help the body to maintain itself. Bacteria, however, can also result in illnesses that harm the body.

Fungi

Fungi are a type of organism that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. There are numerous fungi, numbering in the millions. Yet, only around 300 of these are dangerous.

Anything in the body might develop a fungus infection. They often impact the skin and mucous membranes, though.

Protozoa

Microscopic creatures known as protozoa generally only have one cell.

Some protozoa are parasitic, meaning they reside on or within another creature and draw nutrition for survival from that organism. Parasitic protozoa can bring on many illnesses.

Precautions to Prevent the Spreading of the Disease

A person can take precautions to lessen their risk of catching and spreading disease-causing microorganisms. They include getting all necessary immunizations, regularly washing your hands, and maintaining proper hygiene at home.

1. Wash your hands often

This is crucial prior to and following food preparation, during mealtime, and after visiting the restroom.

2. Vaccinate yourself

Immunization can significantly lower your risk of developing a variety of diseases. Continually receive the appropriate vaccines.

3. Make wise use of antibiotics by just taking them as directed

Take the whole course of your antibiotic, even if you start to feel better before you have finished the drug, unless otherwise instructed or unless you are allergic to them.

4. Stay at home if you have signs and symptoms of an infection

Refrain from going to work or class if you are exhibiting symptoms of an infection, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever.

5. Be smart about food preparation

Use good judgment when preparing food by tidying worktops and other kitchen surfaces. Also, swiftly put leftovers in the fridge. Leave cooked items out at room temperature for a short time.

6. Disinfect the 'hot zones' in your residence

Clean up the "hot zones" in your home, which include the kitchen and bathroom. These two areas are known to contain high levels of germs and other infectious agents.

7. Use condoms to engage in safer sex

Get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), get your partner to get tested, or refrain from having any sexual activity.

8. Avoid sharing personal items

Utilize your personal toothbrush, comb, and razor. Shared drinking or eating utensils should not be used.

9. Travel wisely

If you're sick, avoid flying. You could spread an infection to other airline fliers since so many people are crammed into a tight space. Also, the journey won't be cozy. See your doctor about any additional vaccines you might require based on where your travels will take you.

Communicable Disease Causes

A person may get a communicable disease after becoming infected by the virus. This might happen as a result of the following:

• Direct contact with a person carrying a pathogen
• contact with bodily fluids containing a pathogen
• Inhaling droplets from someone else's cough or sneeze that contain a pathogen
• Being bitten by an animal or bug that carries a disease
• Eating tainted food or water

Common Communicable Disease

Common bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoal Diseases include:

Rhinoviruses

The most frequent Source of the common cold is a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses. A cold may cause the following symptoms:

• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• headache

By breathing in infected droplets from another person's cough or sneeze, one might get a rhinovirus.

In a manner similar to this, individuals who touch their nose, eyes, or mouth after contacting objects or surfaces that have come into contact with the virus are dispersing rhinoviruses.

Coronaviruses

A large group of viruses known as coronaviruses attack the respiratory systemReliable Source. The SARS-CoV-2 virus belongs to this family. While some coronaviruses might result in milder effects like the common cold and flu, others can have more serious consequences.

Influenza

Infections caused by influenza viruses target the respiratory system. Some potential signs Many reliable sources are:

• chills or a fever
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• cough
• headaches
• muscular body pains
• tiredness

In the same manner that a person may get rhinoviruses, they can also contract influenza viruses.

HIV

HIV targets the host's immune system. They thus become more vulnerable to contracting different infections and diseases. A person can get HIV by coming into touch with blood or other body fluids.

HIV symptoms may appear stage-by-stage and gradually. The following symptoms may be present:

• swelling lymph nodes
• muscular pains
• mouth sores
• painful throat
• nocturnal sweat
• rashes

Being tested for HIV is the only method to know for sure if one is infected.

Despite the fact that there is currently no treatment for HIV, some drugs can help keep the infection under control or even render it undetectable. AIDS can develop from HIV if such therapy is not received.

A person can avoid getting HIV by taking additional drugs. Individuals who are at high risk for HIV and those who think they may have been exposed to it should discuss these choices with their main healthcare provider.

Escherichia coli and salmonella

Nontyphoidal Two distinct bacterial species that can infect the digestive tract are salmonella and escherichia coli (E. coli). Salmonella typhi, another kind of salmonella, can also cause typhoid.

The most common ways they are spread are through contaminated food, such as raw meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and polluted water sources.

Moreover, human-to-human contact and exposure to live animals, such as chickens, pose risks for salmonella transmission.

The following are some signs of these infections:

• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• fever
• headache

Tuberculosis

A bacterial illness known as tuberculosis (TB) mostly targets the lungs. It might lead to any of the following signs:

• cough that lasts longer than three weeks
• appetite loss
• unintentional weight loss
• fever
• Sweaty nights

Breathing in microscopic droplets or "aerosols" from an infected person's cough or sneeze might become tuberculosis (TB).

Ringworm

A fungus frequently causes the skin ailment ringworm. A rash with a ring-like appearance is the defining sign of ringworm. It could itch, be dry, or be scaly.

• Individuals can catch ringworm by being in close proximity to someone who has it.
• Sharing linens, towels, or other private goods with someone who has ringworm
• Having frequent contact with cats or other animals that have ringworm.

Ringworm may spread to other body areas if it is not treated.

Athlete's foot

The skin on the feet might have athlete's foot, a common fungal infection. The white spots between the toes that it often generates are painful or uncomfortable.

Direct contact with an individual who has an athlete's foot or surfaces that have been exposed to the fungus can result in the spread of the disease. Athletes' feet, for instance, can be acquired by barefoot walking in showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms.

Plasmodium

Malaria is a tropical illness brought on by the protozoa of the Plasmodium genus. Most frequently, mosquito bites are the means of transmission for the parasite.

Malaria symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscular discomfort.

Malaria poses a serious threat to health without effective care. Vaccination programs also achieve the prevention of malaria deaths.

Lyme Disease

Black-legged ticks can infect humans with Lyme disease, a potentially dangerous illness. In the US, it is the illness that is transferred most frequently by carriers.

Most instances of Lyme disease are brought on by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The illness might, however, also be brought on by the germs Borrelia mayonii.

The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease include headache, exhaustion, fever, and skin rash. The heart, joints, and nervous system can all be affected by Lyme disease if it is left untreated.

Symptoms of Communicable Diseases

• The main causes of communicable illnesses are bacteria or viruses, which individuals can catch from one another by touching contaminated things, using infected blood or other body fluids, getting bitten by an insect, or inhaling polluted air.
• The most frequent means of transmission include feces-to-oral transmission, food-to-oral transmission, sexual contact, insect bites, contact with infected Formica, drops, or cutaneous contact.
• HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, measles, influenza, coronaviruses, and other blood-borne illnesses are a few examples of communicable diseases.
• For instance, hepatitis is a form of contagious illness that spreads by oral-fecal contact.
• As nurses work in the field, they are well-positioned to recognize infectious germs and diagnose communicable illnesses before they spread.
• Once within a person's body, a virus frequently starts reproducing. The person can then start showing symptoms.
• Depending on the illness, symptoms will change. Some individuals won't have any symptoms. They are still capable of spreading the disease, though.
• Some signs and symptoms arise directly from the infection harming the body's cells. Others result from the immune system's reaction to the illness.
• Some communicable diseases may be mild, and symptoms pass after a few days. On the other hand, some can be critical and even fatal. The degree of a person's symptoms may differ based on their immune system's capacity and general health.

Treatment for Communicable Diseases

Some communicable illnesses have minor symptoms that go away on their own. Others may result in serious symptoms or consequences that might be fatal. Based on the illness process and clinical presentation, patients need a variety of treatments:

Viral Infections

For avoiding certain viral diseases, vaccinations are a very successful strategy. Vaccines come in a wide variety of forms.

A virus-like substance is given to the patient when they get a vaccination. In response, the immune system creates antibodies that are able to eliminate the virus when it is active in the future.

In order to keep a virus under control, if a person currently has one, antiviral drugs may be necessary.

Bacterial Infections

Depending on the bacteria involved, infections might be mild or deadly. In order to control a bacterial illness, an individual may need to take a course of antibiotics. For the immune system to be able to fight off infections, these medications can help destroy them or slow down their growth.

Antibiotic resistance is growing among many bacteria, which is dangerous for human health. Antibiotics should never be used without a doctor's prescription.

Fungal Infections

Antifungal drugs prescribed by a doctor and intravenous therapy in rare circumstances may be needed for a severe or persistent fungal infection.

Nevertheless, many minor infections, like ringworm and athlete's foot, may be treated with over-the-counter topical ointments.

Conclusion

Any illness that may spread from person to person is considered communicable. The microorganisms that cause these illnesses can be transferred in a number of ways, including through the air, by contact with infected objects or surfaces, and through bites from both animals and insects.

Mild symptoms that go away on their own are common in many communicable illnesses. Others need to be treated in order to avoid getting worse.