Communicable Diseases

Definition

An infectious disease that is spread from one person or animal to another. Pathogens / germs (small micro-organisms) such as bacteria, viruses and fungi cause communicable diseases.

Pathogens or germs can be:

Bacteria (whooping cough, diphtheria, pneumonia, cholera, tuberculosis)

Viruses (influenza, rabies, Covid-19, chicken pox, measles, mumps)

Fungi (athlete’s foot, ringworm)

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases can be spread among people in the following ways:

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Coming into direct contact with a person carrying the disease.

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases can be spread among people in the following ways:

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Receiving a bite from an animal or insect carrying the disease.

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases can be spread among people in the following ways:

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Contact with infected surfaces or contaminated food or water.

Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases can be spread among people in the following ways:

Did you know?

Contact with infected droplets in the air by inhaling another person’s cough or sneeze.

Influenza Virus

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Treat aches and fever with pain relievers such as paracetamol. Use a humidifier or steam and  gargle with a salt water solution. Plenty of bed rest is recommended.

High fever between 3-5 days. Headaches and body aches, as well as extreme tiredness, a cough and sore throat. Some people experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Avoid large crowds and wash hands and surfaces often. Get a flu vaccination. Build your immunity by eating healthy foods such as fresh fruit and veg and drinking plenty of water. Disinfect with hand sanitiser.

Mumps

Soothe swollen glands by applying ice packs and take approved pain relievers. Rest and drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration from fevers.

Swelling and tenderness in the glands of the throat and in front of the ears. Difficulty chewing. Pain and tenderness in testicles of boys. Fever, headache, body aches and tiredness.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination gives you immunity. Stay away from infected people and disinfect surfaces

Chicken Pox Virus

Visit a doctor or clinic to be prescribed the correct medication. Apply calamine lotion to the spots to relieve the itching. Wear mittens to prevent scratching. Take approved pain killers.

A loss of appetite and an itchy blister rash for five to ten days. A fever, headache and tiredness can occur ten to 21 days before the rash.

Having the chicken pox vaccination will minimize the symptoms and  give immunity. Avoid infected people. Do not share dishes or utensils with infected family members.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Bacterial pink eye will require antibiotic eye drops that are prescribed by a doctor. Viral pink eye will not respond to antibiotics and should last for no longer than 4-7 days.

Redness in the white of the eyes. Blurred vision and itchy eyes and swelling of the eyelid. Burning and more tears than usual.

Pink eye is very contagious and will spread easily. Do not touch your eye and then touch surfaces. Use hand sanitiser and disinfectant. Don’t share eye cosmetics. Use clean towels and change pillowcases often.

Athlete's Foot

An anti-fungal cream prescribed by a pharmacist will heal the rash after a few days. Diabetic people should see a doctor if it doesn’t heal..

Athlete’s’ foot is a fungal infection that usually appears between the toes and spreads quickly. It is an itchy, scaly rash that stings and burns.

Wear shoes, especially in public areas such as gyms, showers and swimming pools. Change your socks often and keep your feet dry and ventilated.

Malaria

Malaria can be life-threatening if not treated by a medical professional. A blood test will be done to determine a diagnosis and fluids are often administered intravenously.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed to humans by a mosquito. It causes high fevers and chills which lasts a few days. Headache and muscle pain, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of malaria.

There is currently no vaccination for malaria. If you are travelling to a malaria area, it is advisable to take chemoprophylaxis tablets. Mosquito nets must be used to sleep under.

Tuberculosis

TB needs to be treated by a doctor. Antibiotic drugs will be prescribed once the strain of TB is determined. Tablets must be taken every day for six months.

TB is an airborne disease that affects the lungs. A bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever and night sweats are common symptoms.

Face masks are recommended for TB patients to prevent the spread of the disease. Wash hands and surfaces and avoid large crowds. The BCG vaccine is used to prevent TB.

HIV/Aids�Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

ARVs (antiretroviral medication) are used to slow the growth of the virus. People will need to take these tablets for the rest of their lives. There is currently no vaccine.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) destroys the body’s immune system and its ability to fight off disease. This can be life-threatening. Flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph glands are common, but some people do not display any symptoms.

HIV is spread through bodily fluids such as blood and semen. Condoms must be used when having sex and people should never share needles from syringes. The virus can’t be spread through the air or toilet seats.