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May 20, 2022 · Unlike viruses, they do not need a host to reproduce, but bacteria can reproduce inside your body because they are very adaptable. Many bacteria are helpful to human health, but some cause disease. Examples of illnesses caused by bacteria include strep throat, tuberculosis, tetanus, Lyme disease, and some types of food poisoning.
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Each infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include:
•Fever
•Diarrhea
•Fatigue
•Muscle aches
•Coughing
Seek medical attention if you:
•Have been bitten by an animal
•Are having trouble breathing
•Have been coughing for more than a week
•Have severe headache with fever
•Experience a rash or swelling
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Infectious diseases can be caused by:
•Bacteria. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis.
•Viruses. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to AIDS.
•Fungi. Many skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi. Other types of fungi can infect your lungs or nervous system.
While anyone can catch infectious diseases, you may be more likely to get sick if your immune system isn't working properly. This may occur if:
•You're taking steroids or other medications that suppress your immune system, such as anti-rejection drugs for a transplanted organ
•You have HIV or AIDS
•You have certain types of cancer or other disorders that affect your immune system
Most infectious diseases have only minor complications. But some infections — such as pneumonia, AIDS and meningitis — can become life-threatening. A few types of infections have been linked to a long-term increased risk of cancer:
•Human papillomavirus is linked to cervical cancer
•Helicobacter pylori is linked to stomach cancer and peptic ulcers
•Hepatitis B and C have been linked to liver cancer
Follow these tips to decrease the risk of infection:
•Wash your hands. This is especially important before and after preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet. And try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, as that's a common way germs enter the body.
•Get vaccinated. Vaccination can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date on your recommended vaccinations, as well as your children's.
•Stay home when ill. Don't go to work if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or have a fever. Don't send your child to school if he or she has these signs, either.
•Prepare food safely. Keep counters and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. Cook foods to the proper temperature, using a food thermometer to check for doneness. For ground meats, that means at least 160 F (71 C); for poultry, 165 F (74 C); and for most other meats, at least 145 F (63 C).
Also promptly refrigerate leftovers — don't let cooked foods remain at room temperature for long periods of time.
People also ask
What diseases are caused by bacteria?
What diseases are caused by viruses?
Are all infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria?
Feb 4, 2023 · Bacteria cause bacterial infections. Viruses cause viral infections. Antibiotic medicines kill or keep many bacteria from growing but don't treat viruses. Antiviral medicines help the body clear out some viruses. Bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms. They can live in many different types of environments.
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful agents (pathogens) that get into your body. The most common causes are viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Infectious diseases usually spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water and through bug bites. Some infectious diseases are minor and some are very serious.
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can be caused by both viruses and bacteria. Regardless of the cause, many times your symptoms will go away in 1 or 2 days with good home care.
Mar 5, 2024 · There's a difference between infection and disease. Infection, often the first step in getting a disease, occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microbes that cause disease enter the body and begin to multiply. Disease happens when the infection damages cells in the body. Then symptoms of an illness appear.
Sep 24, 2023 · Fewer than 1% of bacteria cause diseases in people. Viruses are tinier: the largest of them are smaller than the smallest bacteria. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material ...
