Communicable Disease – any illness that you can “catch” or can be passed from one person to another

The table below will help you learn about common communicable diseases.
Disease
Acute Respiratory Infections
-infection in the upper or
lower respiratory tract that
prevents normal breathing
Pneumonia
-infection of the lungs
wherein the air sacs, or
alveoli, are filled with pus
and fluid which limits oxygen
intake
Bronchitis
- Inflammation of the
bronchial tubes, the air
passages between the nose
and the lungs
Infectious Agent Signs and Symptoms Treatment or Management
Adenoviruses Congestion either in the nasal sinuses Rest well
or lungs, runny nose, cough, sore
Rhinoviruses throat, body aches, fatigue Increase fluid intake
Pneumococcus Cough and cold medications can be
taken to reduce symptoms.
Bacteria Chills, high fever, dyspnea, pleuritic Treat with antibiotics; Hospitalization for
chest pain worsened by deep severe cases and cases in infants
Viruses inspiration, cough, crackles, and
wheezes heard on breath sounds
Fungi
Viruses Persistent cough lasting for weeks, Take a rest
wheezing, chest discomfort, low fever
Bacteria and chills, sore throat, body aches, Drink fluids
blocked nose and sinuses
Irritant particles Breathe warm and moist air
Take medications for cough and pains

Take antibiotics (for bacterial infection)

Influenza (flu)
- a highly contagious viral
infection affecting the
respiratory system
Tuberculosis
- an infectious bacterial
disease that commonly
affects the lungs
Dengue
- is a mosquito-borne
disease mostly occurring in
tropical and sub-tropical
areas
Flu Virus (Type A, B, and C)
Bacteria (Mycobacterium
tuberculosis)
Dengue Virus (four strains)
Sudden onset of high fever lasting for 3- Bed rest
5 days; headache, muscle ache, and
joint pains; dry cough; chills; fatigue; Take plenty of fluids
malaise, nasal congestion
In severe cases, antiviral medications are
prescribed
Cough that is worse in the morning and Standard six-month course of four
lasts 3 weeks or longer (sometimes with antibiotics
blood in the sputum), chest pain,
breathlessness, night sweats, signs of
pneumonia, weight loss, weakness or
fatigue
Fever up to 41⁰C, headaches, muscle, Rest
bones, and joint pain, pain behind your
eyes, widespread rash, nausea and Drink plenty of fluids
vomiting, minor bleeding from your
gums or nose Pain medications can be taken except for
those that may increase bleeding
complications

Hospitalization is needed in severe cases

Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs)
-infections that can be
acquired predominantly
through unprotected sexual
contact. Examples are
chlamydia, gonorrhea,
syphilis, and herpes
HIV and AIDS
-AIDS is a chronic, life-
threathening condition
caused by HIV. HIV weakens
the immune system by
destroying important cells
that fight diseases and
infections.
Bacteria Unusual discharge from the penis, Antibacterial and antiviral medications
vagina, or anus; pain during sex or
Viruses urination; sores, blisters, ulcers, warts
or rashes in the genital areas; fever or
Fungi flu-like symptoms; abnormal or unusual
vaginal bleeding; pain in the scrotum or
Protozoa testicles; lumps and bumps on the
genitals
Human Immunodeficiency Fever and night sweat, feeling very There is no treatment but there are
Virus tired, quick weight loss, headache, medications that can slow down the
enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, progress of the disease
vomiting and upset stomach, mouth,
genital and anal sores, dry cough, rash
or flaky skin, short-term memory loss