A communicable disease is a medical condition transmitted via direct contact with an infected person, breathing in contaminated air particles or touching a surface contaminated with the bacterial, viral, fungal or protozoan agent responsible for the disease. Communicable diseases such as meningitis, strep throat and mononucleosis are extremely common in teenagers.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection resulting in a rapidly developing inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis is a communicable disease transmitted via the exchange of respiratory or throat secretions that contain the bacterial or viral pathogen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of developing meningitis increases during adolescence. So, a routine vaccination with one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for teenagers between the ages of 11 to 18. Symptoms of meningitis include neck stiffness, high fever, sensitivity to light and a sudden and severe headache.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a communicable disease caused by a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. Strep throat is caused by Streptococci bacteria and it is transmitted by breathing in air droplets contaminated with streptococci bacteria. Strep throat it is characterized by swollen tonsils, sore throat, fever and difficulty swallowing food. According to KidHealth.org, teenagers are more likely to get strep throat during the school year when large groups of students are close together.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, also known as the kissing disease, is a communicable disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis is transmitted through close contact such as kissing or sharing a cup or eating utensil with an infected person. According to MayoClinic.com, teenagers are especially vulnerable to mononucleosis infection. Symptoms associated with mononucleosis include fatigue, sore throat, a fever and swollen lymph notes.
