Common Communicable Diseases

A communicable disease is an infectious disease that can be spread from other person to another through an agent such as a virus or bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the government agency responsible for doing research on the origin of the disease and finding ways to prevent or cure it. A number of the most common communicable diseases, in the United States and elsewhere, are contagious but treatable.

Influenza

• Influenz--also known as the flu--is a disease that can be caused by one of a number of viruses. The viruses affect the functions of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Symptoms of the flu include a fever; changes in body temperature; cough; pain in the back, arms or legs; nasal congestion; vomiting and/or diarrhea. Flu vaccinations are available each year.

Measles and Mumps

• Measles and mumps are caused by viruses. Measles is a contagious respiratory disease with symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, fever, red spots in the mouth, or a red or reddish brown rash. Mumps is infectious disease that can cause a fever, headache, swollen glands or a loss of appetite. Vaccinations are available for measles and mumps, given in two doses.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by bacteria. There are often no symptoms of chlamydia or gonorrhea. Some women with the STDs may have vaginal discharges, painful sensations while urinating and/or bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea may also have abdominal pain, nausea and/or a fever. Some men with the diseases have painful sensations during urination, burning or itching sensations around the opening of the penis or discharges from their penis. Both diseases are treatable with antibiotics.

Chicken Pox and Shingles

• Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It generally starts out with symptoms such as a runny rose, sneezing or a cough. People with the illness also get an itchy rash. Children generally only have chicken pox for 10 to 14 days and do not need medication. Calamine lotion can help relieve itching. Adults and older children can get shingles as a result of chicken pox. A viral disease that is caused by the same virus as chicken pox, shingles can cause people to have a painful rash, fever, fatigue, pain, numbness or tingling throughout their body. Shingles is treated with antiviral drugs, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis is a disease often caused by one of three viruses. The three most-common forms of hepatitis are hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis affects the functions of the liver. Common symptoms of all three forms of hepatitis are a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice or urine that is irregularly colored. There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and B. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is limit exposure to the virus.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

• Hand-foot-mouth disease is caused by an enterovirus. Children younger than10 are most at risk for getting this disease. Symptoms of the hand, foot and mouth disease include a fever, headaches, loss of appetite, blisters on the hands or feet, sore throat, or ulcers on the throat, mouth or tongue. The symptoms of the disease can be treated with over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol.