There are several types of infectious diseases, most caused by four main kinds of germs.

Bacteria - Though most types of bacteria in the human body are not harmful and are rather beneficial, a harmful bacterium can grow and spread in the body, leading to infectious diseases. These single-celled microorganisms can multiply quickly, so early infection symptoms should not be ignored. They produce toxins that can make you very sick. Often, antibiotics are prescribed to help prevent a bacterial infectious disease.

Bacterial infections spread in various ways, including:

Aerosols (through coughing and sneezing). For example, Streptococcus.
Surface and skin contact. For example, Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA.
Body fluids, such as blood and saliva. For example, Meningococcal Disease (Meningitis).

Virus - Much smaller than bacteria, viruses are infectious agents that replicate only in the living cells of other organisms. They invade the cells in the human body and multiply, which can change, damage, or even kill a cell. Viral infections include the common cold and HIV/AIDS.

Different viruses spread through various mediums. An influenza virus spreads through aerosols (sneezing and coughing), a Norovirus or Rotavirus spreads when hands are not washed properly after using the toilet, whereas HIV spreads through sexual contact. The virus SARS-CoV-2 is the main reason behind the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

Fungi - Most fungi are harmless to humans, and some are edible too, like mushrooms, truffles, matsutake, porcini, and yeasts, etc. There are few fungi which can be infectious and cause life-threatening diseases. Fungal infections often affect the nails, skin and lungs. Some infections may also penetrate the body and affect organs. A few fungal infections include Thrush, Ringworm, and Athlete’s foot.

Parasites - These organisms live in or on another organism and extract the required nutrients from their host. Such parasites in the human body can be found in the eyes, blood, liver, digestive system, and brain. Whipworm (ingested), hookworms (directly penetrate the skin), Wuchereria bancrofti (transmitted by mosquitoes), Giardia (ingested), Plasmodium falciparum (causes malaria and is transmitted by mosquitoes), Trichomonas (sexually transmitted), Pork tapeworm and Schistosomes (blood flukes) are few commonly found parasites in a human body.

Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Treatment depends on which microorganism causes the infection.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics usually kill bacteria and end bacterial infections. However, antibiotic drugs are known to be ineffective for viral infections. Sometimes, figuring out which germ has caused a disease is difficult. For example, pneumonia can be caused by a bacterium, a virus, a fungus, or a parasite. It becomes difficult to diagnose the cause and determine the treatment required. At Narayana Health, our expert doctors have an excellent record of curing such difficult conditions.

Antivirals

Antiviral drugs treat viral infections, including influenza, HIV, herpes, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Like bacteria, viruses mutate over time and develop resistance to antiviral drugs.

Antifungals

Antifungal medications are used to treat skin or nail infections caused by fungi. Some fungal infections can be treated with oral medications. People with weakened immune systems may require intravenous antifungal medications for severe internal organ fungal infections.

Who is at Risk of Contracting Infectious Diseases?

People of all age groups can contract an infectious disease. If you have a weak immune system or travel to regions with a spread of contagious infections, you might have a higher risk of getting infected.

Broadly, the following groups of people are at a higher risk of getting infected:

Infants, kids and senior citizens
People who have recently undergone surgery and are in the recovery phase
People who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
Patients with HIV positive
Pregnant woman

If you have not received vaccination against common infectious diseases

How to Prevent Infectious Diseases

To prevent infectious diseases, it's essential to understand how different kinds of infection spread. Generally, an infection can spread through the air (while coughing or sneezing), water (drinking contaminated water), bodily fluids (kissing or unprotected sex with another person carrying infection), animal bites, or even physical contact (touching a contaminated surface). Keeping your surroundings clean and hygienic is essential to prevent or control the infection.

You can follow these methods to protect yourself against common infectious diseases:

Get your vaccinations on time. Contact your doctor to determine if any vaccinations are missing. Vaccines are available for chickenpox, COVID-19, Hepatitis A&B, influenza, polio, TB, shingles, and more.
Ensure safe handling of food. Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them. Avoid eating uncooked meat.
Wash your hands regularly to avoid infections from touching contaminated surfaces
Take precautions to control the spread of bugs, mosquitoes, and house flies in your home and surroundings. Do not allow water to accumulate in your surroundings. To avoid getting bitten, cover your body as much as possible.
When outdoors, do not drink water or swim in water that looks contaminated
Cover your mouth when you sneeze
Use a mask if you are going to a crowded place to avoid contamination through air
Use condoms during sex