18 Highly Infectious Diseases You Need to Know About

September 30, 2021
General Physician
Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases form a critical domain in medical science. These diseases are mostly caused by four most common types of pathogens – bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Though mostly risk-free, these conditions may cause severe diseases and even fatality. What is most alarming about them is that they are passed from person to person.

Here are 18 highly infectious diseases you need to know about –

1. COVID-19

COVID-19 or Coronavirus is a respiratory infection that is generally mild. The infection gets risky in the case of the elderly or for those with underlying conditions. At times it can turn into life-threatening complications like pneumonia. Steps like washing hands, maintaining social distance from others, lesser trips outside, and vaccination greatly help diminish the risk and spread of the infection.

At DocGenie we have launched monthly packages that offer continuous proactive care including consultation with an experienced doctor. The tests help the doctor understand patients better, including their lifestyle, heredity risks, etc, and bring in specialists if needed. The package on physiotherapy particularly helps patients regain strength post-Covid. Since weakness is one of the major issues with Covid, this package helps patients recover faster.

Also read: Health Protocols to Maintain when in Home Quarantine with Covid-19

2. Diphtheria

A severe bacterial infection, Diphtheria typically affects the tonsils, throat, nose, and/or skin. When infected a thick layer of grey substance covers the back of the throat. This makes breathing hard. Symptoms of Diphtheria include sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes and weakness.

3. Ebola

This is a rare and deadly medical condition that is caused by a viral infection. Ebola can cause severe illness in humans and other primates including monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas.

4. Flu (Influenza)

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious viral disease of the nose, throat, and lungs. It mostly occurs during autumn, winter, and early spring. Flu affects young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions or weak immunity. Symptoms are fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

5. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition that is actually inflammation of the liver. The most common types of viral hepatitis diseases are Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The condition has the potential to cause damage to liver as swelling and damage interfere with your liver functions. The condition can be acute and short-term or chronic and long-term.

Also read: 10 Home Remedies That Will Help Boost Your Liver Function

6. Hib Disease

Another bacteria-caused infection, Hib disease is a very serious medical condition. Children under five years of age are most at risk for Hib disease. However, the condition can also affect adults who are afflicted with some particular medical conditions.

7. HIV/AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is also a chronic, potentially life-threatening medical condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus transmits through infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. In about a couple of weeks of infection, the infected person will experience flu-like symptoms including fever, sore throat, and fatigue. The condition remains asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS are weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue, and persistent infections.

8. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. It can lead to certain cancers and genital warts. It is important to note that more than 100 types of HPV exist, of which, at least 14 are cancer-causing hence, high-risk category. Many HPV-infected persons remain asymptomatic but infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms are warts on the genitals or surrounding areas.

9. Measles

Measles is also an extremely contagious respiratory disease. The condition can turn into severe if not permanent, complications like pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage. At times it can also cause death.

10. Meningococcal Disease

Another severe bacterial infection, Meningococcal disease often leads to rigorous swelling of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). It can also cause infection of the bloodstream.

11. Mumps

Mumps is also a common contagious disease. It is a viral infection spreading rapidly through coughing and sneezing.

12. Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of related viruses and are extremely infectious. The most common condition caused by these viruses is ‘food poisoning’. The viruses, also called ‘stomach bugs’, are the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the world.

13. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus. It affects our lungs and breathing passages. Notably, this condition can get serious, especially for infants and the elderly.

14. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is also another very contagious virus and can infect almost all young children. It is one of the most prevalent and serious causes of severe diarrhoea.

15. Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella, also known as “German measles,” is also a viral infection. Notably, it has the potential to cause severe birth defects.

16. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

This is another extremely serious infection that spreads rapidly from person to person. The symptom of Whooping cough or pertussis is coughing spells that get so severe that it becomes hard to breathe, eat, or sleep.

17. Zika

Transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, Zika is also caused by a virus. Distressingly, it can be transmitted by pregnant women to their unborn babies. The infection when occurring during pregnancy can cause microcephaly or other severe birth defects.

18. Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus, or what is popularly known as Lockjaw, is another bacterial disease. It is an alarming condition as it affects our nervous system. Tetanus is contracted through cuts or wounds which get infected with tetanus bacteria.

Our Physicians :

If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these highly infectious diseases book a session with one of our highly experienced doctors specializing in critical care and infectious diseases.

DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.

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