What diseases did soldiers catch in World War 1?

World War 1 was marked by trench warfare, overcrowded living conditions, and poor hygiene, which contributed to the spread of various diseases. Some of the common diseases that affected soldiers during World War I include:

1. Trench Fever: This disease was caused by the bacterium *Bartonella quintana* and transmitted by lice. Symptoms included fever, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue.

2. Typhoid Fever: Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid fever caused high fever, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Dysentery: Bacterial infections of the intestines, such as shigellosis and amebic dysentery, caused diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

4. Pneumonia: Bacterial or viral lung infections were prevalent due to exposure to cold and damp conditions in the trenches.

5. Trench Foot: This condition resulted from prolonged exposure to cold, damp, and unsanitary conditions in trenches. Soldiers experienced severe pain, swelling, blisters, and tissue damage in their feet.

6. Diphtheria: A bacterial infection of the respiratory system, diphtheria caused fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and a thick membrane in the throat.

7. Cholera: Transmitted through contaminated water, cholera caused severe diarrhea and dehydration leading to electrolyte imbalances and even death.

8. Malaria: Spread through mosquito bites, malaria was characterized by fever, chills, sweating, anemia, and fatigue.

9. Syphilis: A sexually transmitted disease, syphilis, if left untreated, could lead to severe complications and even death.

10. Influenza: The 1918 influenza pandemic, often referred to as the "Spanish Flu," swept through the world during the war and had a devastating impact, claiming the lives of millions of people.