Infectious diseases and their prevention

In fact, in many cases we are infected with a disease without knowing it, but with the rapid development of medical technology, most diseases are not scary, but the scariest thing is to be able to get good treatment, because this is what we need. At this time, people will think about how to prevent this infectious disease? I believe this can also satisfy the curiosity of many people.

This infectious disease and its prevention are also relatively recognized by everyone, so it is a good idea for everyone to know more about infectious diseases and their prevention. Below is some information about several infectious diseases and their prevention.

influenza

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus and is highly contagious. Influenza viruses are divided into three types: A, B and C.

Transmission route: Mainly direct transmission through air droplets, but can also be indirectly transmitted through objects contaminated by the virus.

Main symptoms: fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, etc.

Susceptible population: The general population is susceptible to influenza. They have a certain immunity after the illness, but it does not last long. The virus continues to mutate and can cause repeated infections and illnesses.

Preventive measures: Influenza vaccination has been recognized by the international medical community as the most effective weapon to prevent influenza. Because influenza viruses mutate quickly, the types that circulate each year are usually different. Therefore, getting the latest flu vaccine every year can achieve the most preventive effect. In addition, exercising, strengthening physical fitness, opening windows frequently for ventilation during the flu season, keeping the indoor air fresh, and the elderly and children trying to avoid crowded places are also effective measures to prevent influenza.

measles

Measles is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus, which mainly occurs in winter and spring. More than 90% of those who have not been vaccinated against measles will develop the disease after exposure, with the highest incidence rate among children aged 1-5 years.

Transmission route: The patient is the only source of infection. Measles virus is present in the patient's conjunctiva, nose, mouth, pharynx, etc. secretions (such as tears, snot, sputum, etc.) as well as urine and blood.

Main symptoms: The incubation period of measles is 10-11 days. The initial symptoms are like a cold, but more serious symptoms may also occur, such as red eyes, swollen eyelids, tearing, fear of light, sneezing, and coughing. On the 4th day, a rose-colored maculopapular rash began to appear behind the ears. Within 2-3 days, the rash spread all over the body, then subsided and desquamated. Other symptoms also gradually subsided.

Susceptible population: The general population is susceptible, especially infants and young children. However, due to the widespread vaccination of measles vaccines in recent years, the age of onset has tended to be postponed.

Prevention: Minimizing contact with patients and their families is the key to preventing measles. Take good care of your health, get measles vaccination on time, keep indoor air circulating, avoid going to public places during epidemic seasons, exercise, and enhance your disease resistance.

chicken pox

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most chickenpox patients are children aged 1 to 14 years old. It is most likely to occur and be prevalent in kindergartens and primary schools. Although chickenpox is an acute infectious disease, it is usually mild and does not cause serious complications.

Transmission route: Chickenpox is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract via droplets. Contact with dust, clothes, utensils, etc. contaminated with the virus may also cause infection.

Main symptoms: After the varicella virus infects the human body, after an incubation period of about 2 weeks, the patient may experience early symptoms such as headache, general discomfort, fever, decreased appetite, etc., followed by characteristic red macules, which later turn into papules and then develop into blisters, often accompanied by itching. After 1-2 days, they begin to dry and form scabs, which last for about a week before falling off. The rash is most common on the trunk, followed by the head and face, less common on the limbs, and even less common on the palms and soles of the feet.

Susceptible population: People in general are susceptible. It is common in children aged 2-10 years old. A single attack can provide high immunity for life.

Preventive measures: Vaccination against varicella is the most effective and economical preventive measure. During the epidemic, it is also important for children to avoid crowded public places and open windows frequently for ventilation.

rubella

Rubella is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by rubella virus.

Transmission route: The main sources of infection are patients and children with congenital rubella. The virus is present in the patients' nasopharyngeal secretions (such as nasal mucus, sputum, etc.), blood and urine. It is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets. The disease can be transmitted all year round, but is more common in winter and spring. Rubella virus can also infect the fetus through the placenta. If a pregnant woman is infected with the disease during pregnancy, it can cause fetal malformations.

Main symptoms: low fever, mild inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, red maculopapular rashes scattered throughout the body, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and in the occipital region. If a pregnant woman is infected with rubella in early pregnancy, it may cause congenital malformations in the fetus.

Susceptible population: It is common in children aged 1-5 years and women of childbearing age; adults are occasionally infected.

Preventive measures: The prevention of rubella is different from that of other rash-causing infectious diseases such as measles and chickenpox. Its target is not only children, but also women of childbearing age. The most reliable way to prevent rubella is to get vaccinated against rubella. During the peak season of rubella in spring, try to avoid taking children to crowded places, such as shopping malls, cinemas, etc., to avoid contact with rubella patients. Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid infection and harm to the fetus. Keep windows open for indoor ventilation, increase outdoor activities, strengthen physical exercise, and pay attention to personal hygiene.

Mumps

Mumps, also known as "mumps", is an acute respiratory infectious disease transmitted through droplets. It is more likely to occur in winter and spring, and mostly occurs in children.

Transmission route: The patient is the only source of infection, mainly transmitted through droplets, and a few indirectly transmitted through utensils, highly contagious.

Main symptoms: Most cases of this disease have an acute onset, with symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, etc. The patient has enlarged and painful parotid glands under one or both ears, which are more painful when chewing. Complications include meningitis, myocarditis, oophoritis or orchitis. The entire course of the disease is about 7-12 days.

Susceptible population: mostly children and adolescents aged 5 to 15 years old. One infection provides lifelong immunity.

Preventive measures: Isolate the patient promptly until the swelling subsides. Get the mumps vaccine.

Meningococcal meningitis

Epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, abbreviated as meningococcus, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by meningococci.

Transmission route: Most infections are transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Main symptoms: Initially manifested as upper respiratory tract infection, most patients have no obvious symptoms, then the patient suddenly chills, high fever can reach 40℃, headache, vomiting recurs, early bleeding spots or bruises can be seen on the skin, develops into meningitis within 1-2 days, high fever persists, severe headache, frequent vomiting, accompanied by convulsions, and even coma.

Susceptible population: People in general are susceptible. The incidence rate is high among children.

Preventive measures: Immunization is the main measure to prevent meningococcal meningitis, and the target population is children aged 1-15 years old.

Through the above knowledge and understanding, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of these infectious diseases and their prevention. It is precisely because of this that everyone should learn more about these infectious diseases and their prevention, increase their common sense, exercise more and improve their physical fitness, because this is best for yourself.