Introduction

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful organisms (pathogens) that get into your body from the outside. Pathogens that cause infectious diseases are viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and, rarely, prions. You can get infectious diseases from other people, bug bites and contaminated food, water or soil.

What are the types of infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases can be viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infections. There’s also a rare group of infectious diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).

Common infectious diseases

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of infectious diseases depend on the type of illness. Fungal infections usually cause localized symptoms, like rash and itching. Viral and bacterial infections can have symptoms in many areas of your body, like:

Treatment

Treatment for infectious diseases varies depending on the specific pathogen involved. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections, with the choice of antibiotic depending on the type of bacteria and its susceptibility to the drug. Antiviral medications are used for viral infections, although some viral illnesses may not have specific antiviral treatments, and supportive care is provided to manage symptoms. Antifungal medications are employed for fungal infections. In addition to specific medications, general supportive measures such as rest, hydration, and fever control may be recommended. Prevention is also a crucial aspect of managing infectious diseases, including vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and public health measures to limit the spread of pathogens. In some cases, a combination of treatments and preventive measures may be necessary for effective management of infectious diseases.