Infectious diseases and viruses

Other ways to prevent viral hepatitis include not sharing needles or razors, practicing safe sex , and avoiding food or drinks that may be contaminated by feces. Cutaneous viral diseases cause lesions or papules to form on the skin. In many cases, these lesions can stick around for a long time or come back after disappearing for a while. These viruses are contagious. Papules that form due to warts or molluscum contagiosum often go away on their own.

They can also be removed by simple in-office procedures, such as cryotherapy. Practicing good hygiene habits, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and avoiding close contact with people who have active lesions can reduce your risk of developing a cutaneous viral disease. Some hemorrhagic viral diseases, such as dengue fever and yellow fever, are spread through the bite of an infected insect.

Others, such as Ebola, are spread to other people through contact with the blood or other bodily fluid of someone with the virus. Lassa fever is spread through inhaling or consuming the dried feces or urine of a rodent with the virus.

Some people may need intravenous IV fluids to maintain electrolyte balance. Supportive care to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance is essential. In some cases, the antiviral drug ribavirin may be given. Researchers are in the process of developing vaccines for several hemorrhagic viruses.

A yellow fever vaccine is currently available for people traveling to areas where yellow fever is common. If you live or work in an area where viral hemorrhagic diseases are common, you can do the following to reduce your risk:. Some viruses can infect the brain and surrounding tissues, causing neurologic viral diseases. This can result in a range of symptoms, including:.

Many neurologic viruses are spread through the bite of an infected animal or bug, such as a mosquito or tick. Other viruses, such poliovirus and other enteroviruses, are quite contagious and spread through close contact with someone with the virus. Contaminated objects can also contribute to the spread of these viruses.

Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking OTC anti-inflammatories to ease pain or headaches can all help. In some cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed.

Polio or severe cases of meningitis or encephalitis may require additional treatment, such as breathing assistance or IV fluids. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with those who have the virus, and protecting against insect bites can all help to reduce the spread of encephalitis and meningitis. To reduce the risk of spreading rabies, keep your pets vaccinated and avoid approaching wild animals. There are many viral diseases.

Some, such as the common cold or the stomach flu, are minor and go away on their own within a few days. Others, however, are more serious. Instead, treatment usually focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the immune system with plenty of rest and hydration. Post-viral fatigue is a type of extreme tiredness that sometimes happens after a recent viral infection.

We'll go over its common symptoms, how it's…. A viral fever is an uncomfortable symptom of many viral illnesses. Viral rashes can affect children and adults alike. Learn how to recognize them, the viruses that cause them, and how they're spread, treated, and more. Devices like IV catheters and surgical incisions can provide an entryway, whereas a healthy immune system helps fight infection.

When patients are sick and receive medical treatment in healthcare facilities, the following factors can increase their susceptibility to infection. Transmission refers to the way germs are moved to the susceptible person. There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings — through contact i. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Infection Control. Section Navigation.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. How Do Infections Occur? Three things are necessary for an infection to occur: Source: Places where infectious agents germs live e. Source Susceptible Person Transmission Source. People are one source of germs including: Patients Healthcare workers Visitors and household members People can be sick with symptoms of an infection or colonized with germs not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others. Examples of environmental sources of germs include: Dry surfaces in patient care areas e.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Facts about infectious disease. Infectious Disease Society of America. Accessed May 29, Jameson JL, et al. Approach to the patient with an infectious disease. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Clean hands count for safe health care.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kumar P, et al. Infectious diseases and tropical medicine. In: Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. LaRocque R, et al. Causes of infectious diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses in resource-rich settings. Ryan KJ, ed. Infectious diseases: Syndromes and etiologies. In: Sherris Medical Microbiology. File TM, et al. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and microbiology of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Accessed May DeClerq E, et al.

Approved antiviral drugs over the past 50 years.