Communicable Diseases

Here are some common infections diseases:

Dengue
Hawker et al. (2007) mention in their book that dengue fever is a febrile disease caused by one of four
closely related virus serotypes of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. Each serotype is sufficiently
different that there is no cross-protection, and epidemics caused by multiple serotypes (hyperendemicity)
can occur. Dengue is transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that are found in the tropics.
They tend to bite just after dawn and just before sunset. However, it has been observed that they can bite
and spread infection at any time of day. Incubation period is from 3 to 15 days.

Signs and Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue is manifested by a sudden onset of high fever with severe headache and muscle and joint pains,
myalgia and arthralgia. It is also called breakbone fever or bonecrusher disease. The patient may develop
dengue rashes that are characteristically bright red petechiae. These usually appear first on the lower limbs
and chest and spread to cover most of the body. The patient may suffer from gastritis, abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Mild cases of dengue, where no rash is present, can be misdiagnosed as flu
or other viral infection. Patients can pass on the infection through mosquitoes or blood products while they
are still febrile.

Prevention of Dengue
The best way of prevention is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Take note of the following tips:
1. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent.
2. Put screens on doors and windows.
3. Refrain from going outdoors during the time of the day when mosquitoes are most active.
4. Remove stagnant water. Cover water containers and change water in flower vases frequently.

Malaria
Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease that is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, including
the Philippines. It is "commonly associated with poverty but is also an effect of poverty and a major
hindrance to economic development" (Engelkirk, 2007).
Malaria, according to Engelkirk (2007) in Burton's Microbiology for the Health Sciences is "one of the most
common infectious diseases and enormous public-health problems." It is caused by protozoan parasites of
the genus Plasmodium. The most serious forms of the disease are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and
Plasmodium vivax, but other related species can also infect humans. This group of human-pathogenic
Plasmodium species is usually referred to as malaria parasites (Hawker et al., 2007). They are transmitted
by female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Signs and symptoms of Malaria

The parasites multiply within the red blood cells and cause anemia, high fever, chills, nausea, headache,
diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma and death.
Prevention of Malaria
Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets and insect repellent,
spraying insecticides, and draining standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs. No vaccine is currently
available for malaria. Preventive drugs must be taken reduce the risk of infection.

Cholera
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the
bacterium Vibrio cholerae . It has a short incubation period lasting from less than one day to five days. It
also produces an enterotoxin that causes copious, painless, and watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to
severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given. Vomiting also occurs in most patients
(Hawker et al., 2007).
The incubation period of cholera according to Hawker, et al. (2007) is from six (6) forty-eight (48) hours, but
there are reported cases of people being infected during the period of diarrhea and up to seven (7) days
after.

Signs and Symptoms of Cholera

Aside from diarrhea, the patient may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and muscle clamps.

Prevention of Cholera
Follow these precautions to reduce the risk of contracting cholera:
1. Wash hands with soap and water frequently and throughly.
2. Drink safe water only.
3. Eat food that is completely cooked.
4. Avoid raw food, street food, and any food from suspicious sources.
5. Observe proper hygiene and sanitation at all times.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian influenza A viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections can
occur in humans. The risk is generally low to most people because the viruses do not usually infect humans.
However, confirmed cases of human infection have been reported since 1997. Most cases of avian
influenza infection in humans could have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated
surfaces. H5N1 is a particularly deadly strain of bird flu that can infect humans and other mammals.

Signs and Symptoms of Avian Influenza

Symptoms of avian flu in humans include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. Some people may
also experience nausea, vomiting, pneumonia, diarrhea, and others severe and life-threatening
complications, depending on which virus has caused the infection.

Prevention of Avian Influenza

Consider these precautionary measures to prevent infection:
1. Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to avoid infection of all kinds.
2. Stay away from farms and live animal markets.
3. Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
4. Cook chicken throughly. Do not eat raw eggs.
5. Avoid cross-contamination. Do not use the same utensils for both raw meat and other kinds of food.

H1N1
H1N1 is a flu virus that is also known as the swine flu. Scientists call the H1N1 virus a "quadruple
reassortant" virus because it contains two genes found in flu viruses which circulate among pigs and two
genes found in flu viruses which circulate among birds. The H1N1 virus is passed from person to person
just like other flu strains. But not by eating pork,
What sets the H1N1 virus apart from other seasonal flu viruses is that studies have shown it to cause more
severe symptoms in people younger than 25 years of age while people over 60 years old have some
immunity against it.
Most cases of flu caused by H1N1 are mild. However, there have been cases of severe complications in
people with other medical conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and
asthma.
H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus and is the most common form that infects people. Certain
strains of H1N1 are endemic in the human population and cause periodic flu outbreaks. It was an H1N1 flu
virus that was responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50 to 100 million people at the end of
World War I and into 1919.

Here are important facts about swine flu

1. Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and
result in nasal secretions, barking cough, decreased appetite, and listless behavior.
2. Swine flu viruses may mutate (change), so that they are easily transmissible among humans.
3. The 2009 swine flu outbreak was due to the H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico.
4. Two antiviral agents, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), have been reported to help prevent
or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours at the onset of symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu

Symptoms of swine flu to humans are similar to those of ordinary flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention of H1N1
The best way to avoid influenza infections is through vaccination.
Almost all vaccines have some side effects. Common side effects of HINI vaccines are typical of flu
vaccines. They are as follows:
1. Flu shot: Soreness, redness, minor swelling at the shot site, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and nausea.
These do not usually last for more than 24 hours
2. Nasal spray: runny nose, low-grade fever, vomiting, headache, wheezing, cough, and sore throat
The nasal spray vaccine contains live virus that has been altered to hinder its ability to replicate in human
tissue. People with a suppressed immune system should not get vaccinated with the nasal spray. Also
most vaccines that contain flu viral particles are cultivated in eggs, so individuals with an allergy to eggs
should not get the vaccine unless tested and advised by their doctor that they are cleared to obtain it.

Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever, also known as typhoid, is an acute illness most often caused by the Salmonella typhi
bacteria or the Salmonella paratyphi, a related bacterium that usually leads to a less severe infection. The
bacteria are deposited in water or food by a human carrier and are then spread to other people in the area
(Hawker et al., 2007).
Typhoid is common worldwide and has received various names such as gastric fever, abdominal typhus,
infantile remittent fever, slow fever, nervous fever, or pythogenic fever. The name typhoid means
"resembling typhus" and comes from the neuropsychiatric symptoms common to typhoid and typhus.
Despite this similarity of their names, typhoid fever and typhus are distinct diseases and are caused by
different species of bacteria.
Diagnosis of typhoid fever is made when the salmonella bacteria is detected with a stool culture. Typhoid
fever is treated with antibiotics. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of patients become carriers of the bacteria
once infection becomes an acute illness.
Patients with acute illness can contaminate the surrounding water supply through stool, which contains a
high concentration of the bacteria. Contamination of the water supply can, in turn, taint the food supply.
Some patients suffer a very mild illness that goes unrecognized. These patients can become long-term
carriers of the bacteria. The bacterium multiplies in the gallbladder, bile ducts, or liver and passes into the
bowel. The bacteria can survive for weeks in water or dried sewage (Hawker et al., 2007). Signs and

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

People with typhoid fever usually have a sustained high fever. Chest congestion develops in many patients,
and abdominal pain and discomfort are common. The fever becomes constant. Other symptoms include
poor appetite, headache, body aches, and lethargy. Improvement occurs in the third and fourth weeks for
those who do not experience complications. About 10 percent of patients have recurrent symptoms
(relapse) after feeling better for one to two weeks. Relapses are actually more common in individuals
treated with antibiotics.

Prevention and Treatment of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever can be prevented by drinking safe water only, improving sanitation, and eating well-cooked
food while it is still hot. Washing the hands often and keeping the surroundings clean will help stop the
spread of infection.
Two vaccines, one injected and the other given orally, are available. These are recommended especially to
people in high-risk areas. Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill the salmonella bacteria. Prior to
the use of antibiotics, the fatality rate was 20 percent. Death occurred from overwhelming infection,
pneumonia, intestinal bleeding, or intestinal perforation. With antibiotics and supportive care, mortality has
been reduced to 1 to 2 percent. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, there is usually improvement within one
to two days and recovery within seven to ten days.
The carrier state, which occurs in 3 to 5 percent of those infected, can be treated with prolonged antibiotics.
Often, removal of the gallbladder, the site of chronic infection, will cure the carrier state.

Non-communicable Diseases
Here are some non-communicable but dreaded diseases:

Hypertension
Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is one of
the body's vital signs.
The pressure of the circulating blood decreases as blood moves through arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and
veins. Blood pressure generally refers to arterial pressure, i.e., the pressure in the larger arteries, the
arteries being the blood vessels which take blood away from the heart.
Blood pressure consists of two numbers: the systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and the diastolic
pressure (when the heart relaxes). The systolic pressure is the number above the diastolic pressure.

1. Normal Blood Pressure

Blood pressure reading 120/80 or lower is considered normal.

2. High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure reading 140/90 or higher is considered high. If one or both numbers are usually high, you
have high blood pressure or hypertension.

3. Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure that is too low is known as hypotension.

For most people who are suffering from hypertension, there is no obvious cause why their blood pressure is
high. This condition is called essential hypertension and it is especially important that their blood pressure
is kept under control.
Heart Attack

A heart attack causes permanent damage to the heart muscle due to loss of blood flow to the heart.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain and
discomfort. Generally, heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few
minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or
pain. Shortness of breath may occur, as well as nausea or lightheadedness. It is vital to get help
immediately if any of these symptoms occurs.

Stroke

The brain requires unobstructed blood flow to function. Very high, sustained blood pressure will eventually
cause blood vessels to weaken. Over time, these weakened vessels could break, and blood could leak into
the brain. The area of the brain that is being fed by these broken vessels start to die, and this will cause a
stroke. In addition, if a clot blocks a narrowed artery, blood ceases to flow and a stroke will occur.

Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one
side of the body, confusion, trouble in speaking, poor vision and sudden severe headache.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Here are some tips on how to keep your heart healthy:

1. Quit smoking
2. Control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol level.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Eat a diet that is rich in fiber and low in salt and saturated fat.

5. Maintain a healthy weight.

6. Manage stress.

Diabetes

Diabetes, also referred to as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the
person has high blood glucose or blood sugar, either because insulin production is inadequate, or the cells
in his/her body do not respond properly to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically
experience frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased appetite (polyphagia).

Diabetes is classed as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism refers to the way the body uses digested food
for energy and growth. Most of what is eaten is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the
blood. It is the principal source of fuel for the body.

When food is digested, glucose makes its way into the bloodstream. The cells use glucose for energy and
growth. However, glucose cannot enter the cells without insulin. Insulin makes it possible for the cells to
take in the glucose.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. After eating, the pancreas automatically releases an
adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in the blood into the cells. As soon as glucose
enters the cells, blood glucose levels drop.

In a person with diabetes, the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia) because the
body does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the
insulin that the pancreas produces. This results in too much glucose building up in the blood. This excess
blood glucose eventually passes out of the body through the urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of
glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth.

Three Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

The body does not produce insulin. This type is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile
diabetes, or early-onset diabetes. People usually develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th year, often in
early adulthood or teenage years.

Type 1 diabetes is nowhere near as common as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 10 percent of all diabetes
cases are type 1.

Patients with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their life. They must also
ensure proper blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special diet.

Type 2 Diabetes

The body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not react properly
to insulin (insulin resistance). Approximately 90 percent of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.

Some people may be able to control their type 2 diabetes by losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing
plenty of exercise, and monitoring their blood glucose levels. However, type 2 diabetes is typically a
progressive disease. It gradually gets worse and the patient will probably end up having to take insulin,
usually in tablet form.

Overweight and obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those
with a healthy body weight. People with a high level of visceral fat, also known as central obesity, belly fat,
or abdominal obesity, are especially at risk. Being overweight or obese causes the body to release
chemicals that can body's cardiovascular and metabolic systems. destabilize the

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly when a people put on weight and
become less physically active. Those with a close relative who has type 2 diabetes and those of Middle
Eastern, African, and South Asian descents are at a higher risk of developing the disease, including men
whose testosterone levels are low. aging

Cancer

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types
of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is affected. initially

Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called
tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell
division in the bloodstream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory
systems and they can release hormones that alter body functions. Tumors that stay in one spot and
demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.

More dangerous or malignant tumors form when two things occur:

1. A cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying
healthy tissue in a process called invasion.

2. A cancerous cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process
called angiogenesis.

When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other
healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a
serious condition that is very difficult to treat. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study,
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.

Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that grow uncontrollably and do not die. Normal cells in the body
follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when
this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience
programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that
grow out of control.

Classification of Cancer

There are five broad groups of cancer, namely:

1. Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung,
breast, and colon.

2. Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in the bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle,
and other supportive tissues.

3. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.

4. Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.

5. Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and
how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin. For instance, a lump on the breast
or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often marked by a
change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white
spots on the tongue.

Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to manifest early
as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to produce symptoms
until they induce pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to bring about a
yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms can also appear as a tumor grows and pushes
against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to constipation, diarrhea, and changes
in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers affect bladder functions such as more frequent or infrequent
urination.

As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to cause
fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are
common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or
throat cancer as well as several other conditions.

When cancer spreads or metastasizes, additional symptoms can be noted in the newly affected area.
Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely. When cancer spreads to the brain, patients may
experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. In the lungs cancer may cause coughing and shortness of
breath. The liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice; bones become painful and brittle or break
easily.

Prevention of Cancer

The following are essential measures to help prevent cancer:

1. Quit smoking and drinking to significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer, most notably in the
lung, throat, mouth, and liver. The earlier you quit, the better.

2. Stay in the shade and protect yourself with a hat, shirt, and sunscreen when under the sun, to prevent
skin cancer.

3. Diet is an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Follow
recommended diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

A systematic screening will help detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even when there
are no clear symptoms yet. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap
smears are common screening methods for various cancers.

Conclusion

A person can only take proper precautions regarding communicable and non- communicable diseases if
he/she is aware about them.

His/Her familiarity with the said diseases will enable him/her to adopt certain lifestyle modifications, like
avoidance of alcoholic beverages, to avoid diseases and stay healthy as he/she performs his/her various
functions in life.

Health is wealth and a person's good health is crucial to his/her being a person who has the opportunity to
maximize his/her potentials in order to achieve all his/her goals in life.