Communicable diseases include a group of illnesses that humans can contract. If infected, they can suffer serious illness and life-threatening conditions. The key is learning to identify the most deadly, and realizing the steps to avoid coming in contact with the disease--and how to get treatment if you get sick.
Types
There are hundreds of types of communicable diseases. Many are considered infectious or contagious in nature. Most include those that are microbial, protozoa, fungal, parasitic, bacteria and viruses. Some of the more common communicable diseases include chickenpox, cholera, MRSA, diphtheria, Epstein-Barr virus, E. coli, Fifth disease, German measles, giardiasis, gonorrhea, hand, foot and mouth disease, hepatitis A, B and C, herpes, HPV, impetigo, influenza, lice, malaria, measles, pertussis, plague, pneumococcal disease, rabies, ringworm, rubella, scabies, smallpox, streptococcal Infection, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and yellow fever.
Transmission
There are several ways to transmit or get a communicable disease. One way includes coming in direct contact with the source of the contaminant. This could be by touching, eating or breathing in the contaminant. Some things such as scabies can only be contracted by direct skin touch. MRSA and hand, foot and mouth disease can be spread by a direct skin-to-skin contact of the nasal passage secretions and someone else's open sore or blister. Viruses including influenza and typhoid fever can be spread by being in close contact with another person. Some airborne illnesses include flu, tuberculosis, meningitis and certain types of fever. Many communicable diseases such as HIV and HPV can only be spread through the bloodstream or during sexual activity. Eating a contaminated food source that contains E. coli or salmonella can lead to serious gastrointestinal illness and complications.
Effects
The effects of coming in contact with a communicable disease can be serious, and in some cases life-threatening. It's important to get immediate medical attention if you feel you have come in contact with a communicable disease. Many diseases can leave physical scarring or affect vital organs of the body that can instill a lifelong debilitating mark. Many diseases leave the infected person sick or ill in bed. In severe disease cases such as tuberculosis, plague, MRSA and smallpox, quarantine is necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
Prevention
Preventing a communicable disease should be a priority. The devastating effects can change someone's life forever. Initially, establishing good hand-washing techniques is essential in ensuring that the spread of germs isn't transmitted. This helps prevent illnesses such as colds, flu, parasites and some viruses and bacteria. The other key is to get inoculated whenever possible. This means getting proper vaccinations to take preventative measures against certain strains of disease and illness such as measles, mumps, rubella, HPV and influenza.
Warning
Often, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention administers a warning regarding a recent outbreak of a communicable and contagious disease. Paying close attention to the CDC website before traveling helps travelers stay informed and safe. If there is a widespread flu or disease outbreak in schools or metropolitan areas, it's in your best interest to follow the rules and instructions set forth by local health officials. If you've been diagnosed with a communicable disease, be sure to stay away from others while the disease is still contagious. Follow your physician's orders for care and optimal recovery.
