What are some common infectious diseases?

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 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The immune system is a vital body function that recognizes and defends itself from infection and disease. The HIV virus has a very difficult time living outside of the human body; however, it causes progressive damage to the human immune system over a variable period. This causes the individual to be vulnerable to a host of infections and malignancies. Many HIV-infected individuals carry the virus with no symptoms and may not know that they have the disease at all. HIV is transmitted to others via direct contact with blood or other body fluids and through sexual intercourse. The end stages of the HIV infection are known as AIDS. Symptoms that are present within approximately 50% of infected individuals include, flu like symptoms, malaise, body aches, rash, lymphadenopathy, and headache.  

 Hepatitis is characterized by a viral infection resulting in the inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis ranges from A to E. A different virus is responsible for each type of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A is an acute, short-term disease. Hepatitis B is often a chronic condition. Hepatitis C is one of the most common bloodborne viral infections in the US and is typically a long-term condition. Hepatitis B and C are major hazards among healthcare workers. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 354 million people currently live with chronic hepatitis B and C globally. Hepatitis D is a rare form that can only occur if you have had Hepatitis B before. Hepatitis E is waterborne disease that is mainly found in poorly sanitized areas and by ingesting fecal matter. Antiviral medications can be used to treat Hepatitis B and C disease.  

 (Nontuberculous Mycobacteria): Nontuberculous Mycobacteria are tiny germs found in soil, water, and on both tame and wild animals. They’re harmless to most people. But sometimes when these bacteria get into your body, they can cause a serious lung disease. NTM lung disease is caused by breathing in air or mist that has the bacteria in it. The bacteria get into your lung tissue and cause an infection causing the airways to become inflamed. This infection can slowly scar and damage your lungs. If you get a mild case, you might not need treatment. If you get a severe case, it could take as long as 2 years of treatment to clear it up. You might even need ongoing treatment. NTM lung disease isn’t tuberculosis (TB). You can’t get it from someone else or pass it to others. You are more likely to get this disease if you have underlining medical issues such as COPD, emphysema, HIV or AIDs, lung transplant, cystic fibrosis, smoker, or an older individual.  

 Covid Long Haulers stems from the Covid-19 Disease. Up to one-third of people who recover from COVID-19 end up facing lasting or new symptoms for months afterward. Most are people who had mild or no symptoms. Long-haul COVID is when symptoms continue well beyond the expected three-to-five-week recovery period. The main symptoms reported with the long hauler’s disease are fatigue, brain fog, headache, new allergies, cough, and racing heartbeat. You can do your part to prevent getting sick or cut the risk of getting long-haul COVID by: Getting vaccinated, social distancing, washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, and helping protect those around you. If you suspect you are suffering from long-haul COVID, set yourself up for success by giving your body (and immune system) what it needs: rest and support. Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet, rest when you feel tired and try mild exercise to help you get over the worst of it faster.  

(Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis): This disease is disabling and complex. People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual daily activities. At times, ME/CFS may confine them to bed. People with ME/CFS have overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest. ME/CFS may get worse after any activity, whether it’s physical or mental. Symptoms can include problems with sleep, thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness. Many individuals with this disease will not return to the same functioning capabilities they had before the illness. While this disease is more common among individuals who are 40 to 60 years old, it can be found in children, adolescents, and adults of all ages. Researchers have not yet found what causes ME/CFS, and there are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose ME/CFS directly. Therefore, doctors need to consider the diagnosis of ME/CFS based on in-depth evaluation of a person’s symptoms and medical history. It is also important that doctors diagnose and treat any other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Even though there is no cure for ME/CFS, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Some of the reasons that people with ME/CFS have not been diagnosed include limited access to healthcare and a lack of education about ME/CFS among healthcare providers.