Infectious Diseases

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) consist of any diseases characteristically transmitted by sexual contact, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and chlamydia. They are also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    • Prevention: Abstinence. It is the only 100% guaranteed way to prevent it.

  • Influenza, or the flu, is recognized every year in what is known as "flu season," which spans the months of November through March. It is during these peak months that many people are diagnosed with this illness.

    • Prevention:

  • Measles causes a skin rash, cough, high fever, and red and watery eyes. Complications include infections of the ear, complications of the lungs (such as pneumonia), and diarrhea.

  • Mumps causes fever, swollen salivary glands, tiredness, and body aches. There are also complications that can accompany mumps. These include inflammation of the brain (known as encephalitis) and/or spinal cord (meningitis) and possibly deafness.

  • Rubella causes sore throat, a rash that can spread throughout the body, low fever, and cough. If left untreated, it can lead to heart problems, damage to the liver or spleen, and loss of hearing or eyesight. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it can be life-threatening to her baby, or the baby can be born with birth defects.

  • Whooping cough (also known by the scientific name pertussis) attacks the respiratory system, causing congestion, fever, cough, fatigue, and vomiting. It is characterized by a high-pitched sound when inhaling, sounding like a "whoop."

  • Also known as TB, tuberculosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that affects the lungs. This can be contracted by inhaling tiny droplets that are released through the sneezing and coughing of someone who is infected.

  • Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that is found in our environment and our food, and also in our digestive tract (intestines). The E. coli found in the intestinal tract are not harmful—however, certain strains of the bacteria can be. Symptoms can include stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Complications can include kidney failure, seizures, and bleeding.