Infectious Respiratory Diseases

Communicable Diseases Unit

Lesson 2

Five Types

Common cold

Influenza

Pneumonia

Strep Throat

Tuberculosis

The Common Cold

Over 200 viruses can cause a cold

Virus that infects the nose

High levels of stress can increase chance of catching a cold

Exposed to cold weather/getting chilled does not cause a cold!

Takes about 2-7 days to show symptoms

The Common Cold

TransmissionDirect and indirect contact

SymptomsRunny noseNasal congestionSneezingHeadacheCough/sore throatLast 2-14 days

The Common Cold

TreatmentRest and fluids

Over-the-counter meds

PreventionGood hygiene

Avoid close contact with infected people

Rest, fluids, and good diet

Influenza (The Flu)

Infection of the nose, throat, and lungs

Can cause complications (elderly, babies, people with chronic diseases)

Constantly changing (harder to form antibodies)

Influenza (The Flu)

TransmissionDirect and indirect contactCan spread rapidly in crowded places

SymptomsFeverHeadacheFatigueCoughSore throatMuscle achesOthers…

Influenza (The Flu)

TreatmentRest and fluids

Over-the-counter meds

Children and teens should not take aspirin if have the flu – can lead to Reye’s Syndrome

PreventionAvoid contact with infected people

Good hygiene

Flu shots

Pneumonia

Infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens

Mild to severe and fatal

TransmissionDirect and indirect contact

Untreated respiratory infections

Pneumonia

SymptomsCough with mucus

Fever

Chest pain

Shallow/trouble breathing

Fatigue

Others…

Pneumonia

TreatmentAntibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia

Viral may need hospital care

PreventionAvoid contact with infected people

Good hygiene

Prompt treatment of respiratory infections

Strep Throat

Bacterial infection in throat

Can lead to rheumatic fever

TransmissionDirect and indirect contact

SymptomsFever

Sever sore throat

Red throat with sores

Strep Throat

TreatmentAntibiotics

Rest and fluids

PreventionAvoid contact with infected people

Good hygiene

Tuberculosis

Bacterial infection in lungs

People with weakened immune systems more likely to contract (elderly, HIV infected, homeless, malnourished)

TransmissionDirect and indirect contact (airborne)

Tuberculosis

SymptomsMild cough and feverFatigueWeight lossNight sweatsCoughing up blood

TreatmentAntibiotics (some pathogens are resistant)

Tuberculosis

PreventionAvoid contact with infected people

Rooms with good ventilation reduce the risk of spreading TB