There are a huge amount of infectious diseases out there attempting to find their way into a person's body. These diseases are typically caused by bacteria that is hiding in water, food, insects, animals or other people. Regardless of the way that the disease or virus is contracted, what’s common is that a person should immediately see a doctor as soon as they start to show off symptoms.
Diseases and viruses are different, but essentially they are going to have a similar effect on a human body. They are going to damage or ruin a part of the body or the way that the body functions. Infectious diseases can sometimes be vaccinated against, but often there are only treatments that can be completed after the disease and virus has been contracted.
Tapeworm
An intestinal tapeworm can cause a variety of symptoms depending on its location and type. Some people may not experience any symptoms. A few of the most common symptoms include weakness, loss of appetite, belly pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever and more. A tapeworm can also cause weight loss, fatigue and dehydration. Tapeworm infections are caused by eating larvae or tapeworm eggs. The risk of developing a tapeworm infection increases if you have poor hygiene, exposure to livestock, are living or traveling to developing countries, and eating undercooked and raw meat. It is very important to see your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a tapeworm infection. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. Your doctor may also test your stool, blood and do an imaging exam (MRI, X-ray, CT scans) to determine if the cause of your symptoms is a tapeworm infection. Your doctor will determine what the best treatment option is for you based on your symptoms and overall health.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by four species of bacteria. It is commonly transmitted when bitten by an infected deer tick. The most care and special precautions should be taken when you are in areas where ticks are present including wearing long sleeves and pants and bug spray. After a tick bite, there is often a small red bump. If you can see that there is still a tick attached, you should carefully remove the tick with tweezers right away. Within a month of being infected with Lyme disease, you will often see red rash that forms a bull’s eye pattern. Other symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, joint pain, nausea and neurological problems. Lyme disease can also create more symptoms including eye inflammation, chronic fatigue, eye issues and heart problems. If you think that you have been bitten by a tick and have been exposed to Lyme disease you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will do a physical examination, lab tests and ask you about your symptoms. Your doctor will help you to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Poison Ivy Rash
A poison ivy rash is caused by contact with the poison ivy. The contact with poison ivy doesn’t have to be direct and can transfer from shoes, pets, clothes and more. Poison ivy contains urushiol oil which causes an allergic reaction and itchy rash. If you are outside in an area that poison ivy may be, you should make sure to wear protective clothing including gloves and tall boots that you can easily rinse off after outdoor use. Poison ivy rash causes an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis. Common symptoms of poison ivy include swelling, redness, itching, blisters and pain. There are many ways that you can treat a poison ivy rash at home. You should wash your skin immediately to remove the oil. You should also wash your clothes and any other items that may have encountered the plant. You can also take mild pain relievers and lotion. Warm baths and cool compresses can also help to reduce the itchiness and uncomfortableness. Make sure to not itch as it can make symptoms worse. You should make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms include trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, and the rash covering a great portion of your body.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common viral infection- especially in children under 12 years old. There is a vaccination available that can prevent chickenpox. Chickenpox can cause a widespread itchy spotted rash, fever, headache, sore throat and stomach pain. The rash is red, itchy and has fluid-filled blisters and open sores. When the blisters and sores heal, they leave dry scabs. Chickenpox is extremely contagious and can be spread very easy. It is very important to not pick and scratch sores as that can spread chickenpox. The symptoms of chickenpox can be relieved by using cool compresses, oatmeal bath products, lotion and pain relievers. Most chickenpox infections do not require a doctor’s visit, but if the fever is high and lasts longer than four days you should seek medical treatment. You should also seek medical treatment if symptoms persist and become severe.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a type of bacterial infection. It can make your throat feel sore, tight, scratchy and burn. The potential symptoms include headaches, sore throat, rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, tiny red spots located on the very back of the roof of the mouth, nausea, body aches, difficulty swallowing and more. Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and is very contagious. It is important to see a doctor if you think you may have strep throat. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and will perform a physical examination. Your doctor may also order certain tests to determine if you have strep throat or not including a throat culture and a rapid antigen test. If you test positive for strep throat your doctor will come up with a treatment plan which may include antibiotics, rest and hydration.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a type of bacterial infection that can occur in people who have strep throat. Scarlet fever symptoms include a bright red rash that covers most of the body, skin peeling, sore throat, headache, nausea, high fever and joint pain. It is important to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Oatmeal and lotion can help to reduce itchiness, redness and discomfort due to the rash. You should go to the doctor for medical treatment if you suspect that you have scarlet fever. The doctor will perform a physical examination, ask you about your symptoms, and test for scarlet fever by taking a throat swab. If the swab tests positive for strep bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed.