When infected, the body will fight to prevent disease. This natural response of the body can cause various symptoms such as the following.
Coughing and sneezing.
Fever.
Inflammation.
Vomiting.
Fatigue.
Cramps.
Diarrhea.
Muscle pain.
These symptoms can occur in all types of infections. Meanwhile, specific symptoms will arise according to the location of the infection.
Everyone can feel different symptoms of infection. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult a doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
Thanks to the body’s natural response, some infections can improve immediately. However, you should see a doctor immediately if you feel the following.
Symptoms appear after being bitten by a certain animal.
Respiratory problems.
Coughing for more than a week.
Severe headaches accompanied by fever.
Rash or swelling of the skin.
High fever without cause and does not decrease.
Visual disturbances.
Causes of infectious diseases
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As explained above, infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
Meanwhile, according to the Mayo Clinic, here is how microorganisms enter your body.
- Direct contact
One of the easiest ways to get an infection is through direct physical contact with an infected person or animal. Usually, transmission through physical contact occurs in the following ways.
Shaking hands.
Touching.
Inhaling droplets (saliva) from a patient who sneezes or coughs
Having sexual intercourse.
Scratched by an animal, such as a dog or cat.
Through the birth process (mother to baby).
- Indirect contact
Transmission of infectious diseases can also occur through indirect contact, for example through touching inanimate objects, such as doorknobs or contaminated table surfaces.
Unconsciously, an infected person can leave bacteria or viruses on the surface of inanimate objects that they touch.
Therefore, make it a habit to wash your hands first before touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.
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- Insect bites
Mosquitoes, flies, and fleas are some types of insects that can be vectors or carriers of microorganisms that can cause infections.
Malaria mosquito bites are one example of virus transmission through insect bites. Another example is the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the dengue fever virus.
- Contaminated food
You can also get infectious diseases from food or water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
One type of bacteria that is most often transmitted through food is Escherichia coli. This bacteria is most commonly found in undercooked meat.
Risk factors for infectious diseases
Here are some conditions that can increase your risk of getting an infectious disease.
Taking steroid drugs.
Taking drugs that affect the immune system, such as drugs for organ transplant patients.
Having an autoimmune disease, such as HIV/AIDS.
Having cancer or certain diseases that interfere with the immune system.
Traveling to areas with infectious disease outbreaks, such as areas with high malaria cases
Having direct or indirect contact with someone who is sick.
Diagnosis of infectious diseases
The process of diagnosing infectious diseases usually begins by observing the patient’s symptoms.
In some cases, the main cause of infection is often difficult to determine because there are diseases that can be caused by several types of microorganisms.
Pneumonia and meningitis are examples of diseases that can be caused by both bacteria and viruses.
To determine the type of infection that attacks you, your doctor can perform the following supporting examinations.
Blood test.
Urine test.
Throat swab.
Stool sample test.
Lumbar puncture or spinal tap.
Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI).
Biopsy.