list of contagious diseases

List of Contagious Diseases

The common flu, smallpox, strep throat... the list of contagious diseases is quite endless. A comprehensive list of the most common contagious diseases follows in this article.

Everyone has gotten ill at some time or the other in their life. The common cold, flu, cough, strep throat, and certain other diseases are commonplace and keep making a comeback over and over again. Our immune system is built for protecting us from these diseases and disorders and keeping us healthy. There are, however, certain diseases which can be easily spread from one person to another in a number of ways. These make us susceptible and vulnerable, and put our immunity at risk. These diseases are known as contagious diseases. In the following sections, we will provide you with a list of contagious diseases so that you can be on the lookout for the same and take precautions against them.
Contagious diseases can be spread in 3 ways.
  • Direct physical contact with an infected person.
  • Direct physical contact with objects and other surfaces that an infected person has touched.
  • Coming in contact with airborne bacteria (through sneezing and coughing).
A General List
The following is a general list of contagious diseases. These may be transmitted via various modes.
All respiratory diseases
Athlete's foot
Bronchitis
Chancroid
Chickenpox
Cold sores
Common cold
Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
Coxsackievirus
Crabs
Croup
Cryptosporidiosis
Diphtheria
Encephalitis
Epstein-Barr virus
Fifth disease
Flu (Influenza)
Fungal skin infections
Giardiasis
Hepatitis B
HIV/AIDS
HPV
Impetigo
Infectious mononucleosis
Leprosy
Leptospirosis
Lice
Malaria
Measles
Meningitis
Meningococcemia
Molluscum contagiosum
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Nail fungus
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Plantar warts
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Ringworm
Roseola infantum
Scabies
Scarlet fever
Shigellosis
Smallpox
Staph infection (MRSA)
Strep throat
Swine flu
Syphilis
Tetanus
Tonsillitis
Tuberculosis
Vaginitis
Viral gastroenteritis
Viral laryngitis
Important Note - Many of these diseases like HIV/AIDS, measles and Hepatitis B can even result in death if proper precautions are not taken for the same.
Skin Diseases
There are several skin conditions that go on to make their mark in the contagious diseases list as well.
All types of fungal infections
Athlete's foot
Boils
Chickenpox
Cold sores
Eczema
Fungal skin infections
Herpes simplex
Impetigo contagiosa
Leprosy
Pediculosis
Ringworm
Rubella (German measles)
Scabies
Smallpox
Warts
Prevention and Treatment
With a comprehensive knowledge of the kind of diseases that feature in the list of contagious diseases, it is always helpful to know how to prevent the onset of these. The following are certain steps that you can undertake in this direction.
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways in which the onset of these diseases can be prevented. With ongoing research and progress in the field of medicine, there are several vaccinations that have been invented which can prevent a wide range of diseases from affecting you. These vaccines are made available quite readily and one can thus take advantage of the same. These include - tetanus, hepatitis B, mumps, measles, rubella, etc. Maintaining personal hygiene becomes the foremost important thing in preventing an infection. Washing your hands (and feet) with an antibacterial and antiseptic soap or liquid cleaner every time you enter a place from the outdoors is therefore important. Covering your mouth every time you cough and sneeze so that the bacteria is not spread. In case you know that a person is infected with a particular contagious ailment, avoid being in proximity of that person. Do not share personal toiletries with people as a rule. Especially with those who are infected. As far as STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are concerned, practicing safe sex is the key to preventing the spread of diseases. Also, getting yourself checked from time to time is considered ideal.
As far as the treatment for these conditions is concerned, technology has made great advances, and several of these contagious diseases can be treated with medication. Yet, it is always advisable to consult a specialist and start off with a proper treatment plan. Make sure to keep a copy of this list of contagious diseases handy, and try to prevent them rather than treat them. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by a medical professional.

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