Podcast
Questions and Answers
Is fatigue a sign or symptom of diseases?
Is fatigue a sign or symptom of diseases?
Why do people need updated flu vaccines each year?
Why do people need updated flu vaccines each year?
What is the difference between the stomach flu and the flu?
What is the difference between the stomach flu and the flu?
Which of the following is a viral disease?
Which of the following is a viral disease?
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How does antibiotic resistance contribute to the reemergence of diseases?
How does antibiotic resistance contribute to the reemergence of diseases?
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Which of the following helps spread respiratory diseases?
Which of the following helps spread respiratory diseases?
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What role do people who are sick with the flu have in spreading the disease?
What role do people who are sick with the flu have in spreading the disease?
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Which factor is NOT likely to affect vaccination rates in a given country or region?
Which factor is NOT likely to affect vaccination rates in a given country or region?
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Which of the following populations is at higher risk for flu complications?
Which of the following populations is at higher risk for flu complications?
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Why are measles cases rising in unvaccinated populations?
Why are measles cases rising in unvaccinated populations?
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Study Notes
Recognizing Communicable Diseases
- Communicable diseases have distinct signs and symptoms, which are evidence of disease that can be observed or experienced.
- Signs include fever, abnormal pulse in a resting state, and/or breathing rate.
Respiratory Diseases
- Respiratory diseases primarily affect the respiratory system.
- Symptoms of respiratory diseases include a runny or sore throat, coughing, and sneezing.
Common Cold
- The common cold affects millions of people in the US each year.
- It is usually caused by the rhinovirus, which is spread through tiny droplets in the air when people cough and sneeze.
- Symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and body aches.
- Most people recover from the common cold within 10 days.
Influenza (The Flu)
- Influenza is the eighth leading cause of death in the US.
- It affects people of all ages, especially older people, young children, and people with chronic conditions.
- The flu is caused by two types of influenza virus, type A and type B.
- The flu spreads through infected people when they cough, sneeze, or talk.
- Symptoms include a runny or sore throat, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and weakness or exhaustion.
Pneumonia
- Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Around one million children under five years of age die from pneumonia each year.
- In the US, pneumonia is the leading cause of death from infectious disease among children less than 5 years old.
- Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Strep Throat
- Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus bacterium.
- It is characterized by a painful sore throat and swollen, tender tonsils.
- Strep throat is contagious and spreads through droplets released during coughing and sneezing.
Stomach Flu
- The stomach flu is not related to influenza.
- It is an infection of the intestines caused by the norovirus.
- Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- The stomach flu spreads through food and water, and can also be contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water.
Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin between the toes or around the groin (called jock itch).
- It is caused by a fungus that lives on moist surfaces.
- Athlete's foot spreads through skin contact and can grow on moist floors in showers, gyms, locker rooms, and pool decks.
Pinkeye
- Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is an infection of the surface of the eye.
- It is usually caused by bacteria or viruses that infect the surface of the eye and inner lining of the eyelid.
- Pinkeye is highly contagious and easily transmitted through touch.
- Symptoms include red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Impetigo and MRSA
- Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS).
- It is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact and fomites.
- Symptoms include localized pain, warmth, redness, and the formation of vesicles and pustules that may become crusted.
- MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a dangerous infection caused by a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and other commonly used antibiotics.
- MRSA can cause a range of infections, from minor skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections.
Mononucleosis
- Mononucleosis is an infection of white blood cells called mononuclear cells, usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a herpesvirus.
- The disease is spread through saliva and sometimes other body fluids such as semen or blood.
- Symptoms usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus and include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a swollen spleen.
Meningitis
- Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- It can cause brain damage, disability, and even death.
- Most cases of meningitis in the US are viral, but certain kinds of bacteria, fungi, and parasites can also cause meningitis.
- Symptoms include severe headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.
Hepatitis
- Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by a virus, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.
- Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types.
- Hepatitis A is spread through contact with food and water contaminated with feces from an infected person.
- Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as semen, saliva, and vaginal secretions.
- Hepatitis C is spread through contact with infected blood.
Tetanus
- Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nerves and muscles.
- It is caused by a toxin that interferes with the nerves that control muscle contractions.
- Tetanus can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Tetanus is found in soil, dust, and animal feces.
- People can get tetanus through deep wounds, scratches, and animal bites.
- Symptoms include lockjaw, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, and muscle spasms.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Communicable diseases can affect small or large populations.
- An epidemic is a disease that occurs in unexpectedly large numbers over a particular area.
- A pandemic is a disease that spreads to much of the world.
- An endemic infection is one that naturally occurs at low levels in a particular area.
- Emerging infectious diseases are communicable diseases that are new or increasing unexpectedly.
- Examples of emerging infectious diseases include Zika virus, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, and alpha-gal allergy.
Changing Environments and Climates
- Many insect-borne diseases are growing, partly because insects and ticks are spreading to new regions.
- At least three new tick-borne diseases have been discovered, including Heartland virus and Bourbon virus.
- Scientists are carefully monitoring these diseases.
- Changing weather conditions have also caused mosquitoes to spread and carry diseases to new regions.
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Description
Identify and differentiate between various communicable diseases, including their signs, symptoms, and impact on public health.
