Communicable Diseases

Common Cold (Acute Rhinitis)

  • Most common communicable disease, viral in nature.

  • Transmission:

    • Occurs through direct or indirect respiratory means.

    • Enters through the respiratory tract.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

    • Appear 24 to 48 hours post-exposure.

    • Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, headache, fatigue, and malaise.

  • Treatment:

    • No antibiotics needed as it is a viral infection.

    • Symptomatic treatment such as cough medicine, Tylenol, ibuprofen, and cold medicines.

  • Incidence:

    • Adults: 2 to 4 colds/year.

    • Children: 6 to 8 colds/year.

  • Causes:

    • Typically caused by rhinovirus.

    • More prevalent in autumn and winter months due to closer contact with others.

Influenza (Flu)

  • Acute febrile viral infection affecting the respiratory system.

  • Can be fatal, especially for individuals with weak immune systems or pre-existing conditions.

  • Transmission:

    • Through respiratory secretions (droplet or airborne).

    • Types A and B are common during flu season; Type C causes milder symptoms.

  • Symptoms:

    • Fever, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, cough, fatigue, headaches, chills, stuffy nose.

  • Distinguishing Cold from Flu:

    • Cold has gradual onset; flu is sudden.

    • Fever is rare in colds but common in flu.

    • Body aches present in flu, rare in colds.

    • Chills and headaches are notable in flu.

    • Sneezing is more common in colds.

  • Complications:

    • Can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening chronic conditions.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Nasal swab for flu testing, sputum or throat cultures if necessary.

  • Treatment:

    • Supportive; no antibiotics unless secondary infections occur.

    • Hospitalization may be warranted for high-risk patients.

    • Antivirals like Tamiflu and Relenza effective if taken within two days of symptoms.

    • Prevention: flu shot, hand washing, isolation when sick, potential antivirals post-exposure.

Chickenpox

  • Caused by direct contact with respiratory secretions or rash.

  • Symptoms:

    • Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, chills, fever, headache, fatigue; rash is key symptom.

  • Medical Management:

    • Varicella vaccine at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years.

    • Supportive treatment includes Tylenol for fever and special baths for rash relief.

    • Immune globulin or antivirals may be given post-exposure.

  • Nursing Interventions:

    • Keep nails short to prevent scratching.

    • Daily baths but avoid regular soap to prevent drying.

    • Lightweight clothing to ease skin irritation.

    • Encourage hydration and good hand hygiene.

Rabies

  • Severe but preventable infection affecting the central nervous system, transmitted via animal saliva (bite).

  • Incubation Period:

    • About 2 weeks to 3 months.

  • Initial Symptoms:

    • Headache, nausea, fever, malaise, anorexia, tingling at bite area.

  • Progression Symptoms:

    • Nervous system symptoms like irritability, confusion, hallucinations, aggression, increased salivation, paralysis, and death in advanced stages.

  • Prevention:

    • 99% of human cases are due to dog bites; vaccination of animals is critical.

    • WHO aims for zero deaths by 2030.

  • Diagnosis:

    • Animal testing requires brain tissue; human testing looks for bite history, symptoms, and rabies antibodies.

  • Management:

    • Clean bites with soap and water.

    • Pre-exposure vaccination for high-risk individuals (3 doses).

    • Post-exposure vaccination after a bite (4 doses).

Lyme Disease

  • Transmitted from infected ticks to humans.

  • Symptoms:

    • Circular 'bullseye' rash, fatigue, chills, fever, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes.

  • Complications:

    • Can lead to chronic issues like arthritis and neurological problems.

  • Diagnosis:

    • ELISA test and Western blot; both must be positive for confirmation.