Top 10 Warning Signs of an Infectious Disease

  




Some infectious diseases are easily recognizable by their common symptoms, while others are more subtle. Regardless of what they look like, however, all infectious diseases have common causes and warning signs that you should be familiar with if you want to avoid them and seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are 10 common warning signs of infectious d isease and what causes them


1) Sudden onset of symptoms

When the body is invaded by a disease, it can cause several symptoms to appear. These symptoms may be sudden and dramatic. They might start with one or two symptoms, but if left untreated, they will spread throughout the body and worsen over time. Because different types of diseases have different causes, it's important to know what type you're dealing with so that you can treat it accordingly. Take a look at these 10 warning signs and their possible causes:





2) Progression of symptom

The progression of symptoms can vary depending on the type of disease. With bacterial infections, symptoms may come and go, often worsening as they progress. Viral infections are more likely to get progressively worse and lead to full-blown fever and other symptoms. Parasitic diseases are also variable in their progression because the condition can be both acute or chronic depending on the type and amount of parasites.



3) Fever

You may be experiencing a fever if your temperature is greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Other signs that you might have a fever are shivering and sweating. You can take steps to lower your fever by getting into bed, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. The type of disease you have will determine the cause and what treatments are available.




4) Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many infectious diseases, as well as other disorders. If you have any unexplained fatigue, it is important to see a doctor. The most common cause of fatigue is the flu, which can lead to a fever, sore throat, and muscle aches. Other causes include mononucleosis and pneumonia.





5) Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is one of the most common infectious disease symptoms, but it can also be a sign that you're going through menopause. So, if you've been eating a lot more or less than usual, it's time to visit your doctor for blood work and other tests.





6) Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms of many types of infectious diseases, including bacterial food poisoning and viral stomach flu. If you experience any type of nausea or vomiting, it's important to see a doctor right away to make sure that your symptoms aren't caused by something more serious.




7) Diarrhea

Diarrhea is caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite that irritates the lining of your intestines and causes them to release water. The more frequently you go to the bathroom, the more watery your stool will be. This can lead to dehydration if not taken care of properly. To treat diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids such as fruit juice or sports drinks, avoid caffeine and alcohol, eat foods rich in fiber like bananas and oatmeal, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.





8) Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is a common symptom and can be caused by any type of infectious disease. This can include viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Other causes of abdominal pain are appendicitis, stomach ulcer, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), gallstones, and kidney stones. There are many other possible causes for the pain such as cancer, inflammation from the surgery, and ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus), among others.





9) Muscle aches

Muscle aches are one of the most common signs of a type of disease called myalgia. This is characterized by muscle pain and soreness that can be caused by a variety of factors, including different types of viruses and other infectious diseases.





10) Shortness of breath

If you are experiencing shortness of breath, it is important to determine the cause. Many different types of diseases can cause this symptom and it is important to know the type to make a diagnosis. If your shortness of breath is caused by pneumonia, for example, antibiotics will be prescribed. If your shortness of breath is caused by asthma or COPD, a nebulizer treatment may be ordered.



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