Infectious Disease

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can enter your body and cause symptoms. They spread from person to person via coughing, sneezing, bug bites, shared objects, and more. 

Preventive care and prompt treatment help reduce your risk of contracting an infectious disease or suffering from its complications.

What are examples of infectious diseases?

Examples of infectious diseases include:

• Colds
• Flu
• COVID-19
• Stomach flu
• Foot fungus
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Norovirus
• Hookworms
• Pinworms
• Athlete’s foot
• Tuberculosis 
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• West Nile virus
• Lyme disease
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)

In comparison, chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, etc.) are often caused by genetics and/or lifestyle habits. 

Which symptoms can infectious diseases cause?

Infectious diseases may contribute to the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches 
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Rash
• Itchy skin
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Genital warts or sores
• Unusual genital discharge 

Your symptoms may begin as mild and worsen over time if left untreated. Some infectious diseases resolve on their own over time.

What are the risk factors for infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases spread from person to person, though some people are more prone to becoming sick. Examples of infectious disease risk factors include:

• Not getting vaccinated
• Being around people who are ill
• Having unprotected sex 
• Sharing personal items with other people
• Walking barefoot in locker rooms or other community areas
• Touching surfaces contaminated with germs
• Insufficient hand washing
• Weakened immune system
• Being around bugs
• Being pregnant
• Aging, especially being over 60
• Working in the healthcare industry

Young children, especially kids under five, are also at risk of contracting infectious diseases because their immune systems are still developing. 

How are infectious diseases diagnosed?

The skilled Solution Health Specialists team completes a physical exam to determine if you have an infectious disease. They also discuss your medical history and symptoms and order blood or urine tests, swabs, STD tests, biopsies, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic tests. 

Your provider creates a personalized treatment plan when needed to maximize health outcomes. 

How are infectious diseases treated?

Your customized infectious disease treatment plan may consist of:

• Vaccinations
• Rest and fluids
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Vitamins or other dietary supplements
• Lifestyle changes

It’s helpful to wash your hands often, avoid touching your mouth, and not share personal items with other people or walk barefoot in community areas.

If you suspect you have an infectious disease or are interested in vaccinations, schedule an in-office, telehealth visit, or house call appointment with the Solution Health Specialists experts by calling the office. You can also request an appointment online at any time.