New York Infectious Disease SpecialistsÂ
Infectious disease medicine is a branch of internal medicine. Infectious disease doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases caused by microorganisms. These microscopic organisms enter the body and infect it, causing symptoms that can range from mild to fatal. Infectious disease specialists usually work with other medical specialists to diagnose and treat the affected organ systems, such as the central nervous system or cardiovascular system.
The American Medical Association states that infectious diseases are the second largest cause of death around the globe. The four main kinds of germs that lead to diseases are:
- Viruses - Viruses can affect, damage or kill cells and induce sickness. The common cold, hepatitis and HIV are three examples of viruses.
- Bacteria - Bacteria are single-celled organisms that cause illnesses such as tuberculosis or urinary tract infections.
- Parasites - Illnesses such as malaria are caused by a parasite that is transmitted through a mosquito bite. In this case, the mosquito carries a parasite.
- Fungi - Fungi causes infections like ringworm.
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Common ways in which infectious diseases are transmitted
Infectious diseases are transmitted in a number of ways:
- Contagious infections are transferred by direct contact with a person who has the infection.
- Infections can be transmitted through contaminated water or food.
- Indirect contact such as touching something that has germs on it is another way diseases can spread.
- Infections can be transmitted through insect or animal bites.
- During pregnancy, a mother can pass germs onto the unborn child.
Prevention of infectious disease
Infectious diseases can have varying symptoms, and if the symptoms are mild, they may go unnoticed. Here are some precautionary measures that you can take to avoid contracting an infection altogether:
- Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing or consuming food.
- Timely immunization can help reduce your risk of getting an infection.
- Practice safe sex.
- Visit a doctor immediately if you have any contact with wild animals.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and utensils.
Sources: American College of Physicians,
American Medical Association,
MedlinePlus,
Infectious Diseases Society of America
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