Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and can spread from person to person, animals, or contaminated surfaces. Here are some common infectious diseases along with their symptoms:
Influenza (Flu)
Cause: Influenza virus
Symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue and weakness
Tuberculosis (TB)
Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria)
Symptoms:
- Persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Night sweats
- Fever and weight loss
COVID-19
Cause: SARS-CoV-2 (virus)
Symptoms:
- Fever and chills
- Cough and shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Sore throat and headache
Malaria
Cause: Plasmodium parasites (spread by mosquito bites)
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Chills and sweating
- Headache and muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
Cause: Hepatitis viruses
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
HIV/AIDS
Cause: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms (early stage)
- Persistent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
Pneumonia
Cause: Bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses, or fungi
Symptoms:
- Cough with phlegm or pus
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and chills
Typhoid Fever
Cause: Salmonella typhi (bacteria)
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Cause: Varicella-zoster virus
Symptoms:
- Itchy, blister-like rash
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Dengue Fever
Cause: Dengue virus (spread by mosquitoes)
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe body aches (“breakbone fever”)
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting