OverviewInfectious Diseases Care at Mayo ClinicOur caring teams of professionals offer expert care to people with infectious diseases, injuries and illnesses. Show
Learn more about infections diseases care at Mayo Clinic. Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some are transmitted by insects or other animals. And you may get others by consuming contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the organism causing the infection, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may need hospitalization. Many infectious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can be prevented by vaccines. Frequent and thorough hand-washing also helps protect you from most infectious diseases. SymptomsEach infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include:
When to see a doctorSeek medical attention if you:
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information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesInfectious diseases can be caused by:
Direct contactAn easy way to catch most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with a person or an animal with the infection. Infectious diseases can be spread through direct contact such as:
Indirect contactDisease-causing organisms also can be passed by indirect contact. Many germs can linger on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle. When you touch a doorknob handled by someone ill with the flu or a cold, for example, you can pick up the germs he or she left behind. If you then touch your eyes, mouth or nose before washing your hands, you may become infected. Insect bitesSome germs rely on insect carriers — such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice or ticks — to move from host to host. These carriers are known as vectors. Mosquitoes can carry the malaria parasite or West Nile virus. Deer ticks may carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Food contaminationDisease-causing germs can also infect you through contaminated food and water. This mechanism of transmission allows germs to be spread to many people through a single source. Escherichia coli (E. coli), for example, is a bacterium present in or on certain foods — such as undercooked hamburger or unpasteurized fruit juice. Risk factorsWhile anyone can catch infectious diseases, you may be more likely to get sick if your immune system isn't working properly. This may occur if:
In addition, certain other medical conditions may predispose you to infection, including implanted medical devices, malnutrition and extremes of age, among others. ComplicationsMost infectious diseases have only minor complications. But some infections — such as pneumonia, AIDS and meningitis — can become life-threatening. A few types of infections have been linked to a long-term increased risk of cancer:
In addition, some infectious diseases may become silent, only to appear again in the future — sometimes even decades later. For example, someone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles much later in life. PreventionFollow these tips to decrease the risk of infection:
Feb. 18, 2022 Are infectious diseases communicable?Infectious diseases can be spread through direct contact such as: Person to person. Infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses or other germs from one person to another.
What are the 10 examples of communicable diseases?Information for Specific Communicable Diseases. Chickenpox / Shingles.. COVID-19.. Ebola.. Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE). Hepatitis B.. Hepatitis C.. HIV / AIDS.. HIV / STDs / Hepatitis.. What are the 4 types of communicable diseases?Many different agents that enter our bodies from the outside are the source of communicable diseases. Among these, viruses, bacteria, fungus, and protozoa are the four main categories of pathogens that cause disease.
What are 5 infectious diseases?The flu, measles, HIV, strep throat, COVID-19 and salmonella are all examples of infectious diseases.
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