What Are Infectious Diseases?

The common cold is caused by a group of viruses called rhinoviruses and is an infection that impacts the nose and throat. This infection leads to symptoms such as a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, congestion, low fever or runny nose. The common cold is usually a very mild infection and will subside after a few days. However, if symptoms continue to get worse and persist for more than a week, you should seek your doctor’s help. The common cold can also result in other conditions such as asthma or ear infections as your body is at a higher risk of getting infected by other bacteria or viruses when feeling sick.

Every year, we experience the “flu season” which is caused by a virus called influenza. Symptoms of the flu are quite similar to COVID-19 and can vary from person to person. In most cases, it can be mild with a fever, cough or muscle pains which subside after a few days of rest and care. Children are also at high risk for getting sick with influenza and so it’s important to keep an eye out for if your child is not drinking, eating, or is feeling low in energy. Luckily the flu vaccine can be taken to avoid getting sick. However, the influenza virus is quite clever and can keep changing itself so that your body can’t recognize it and so that it can keep infecting people. Therefore, it is a good idea to get vaccinated against the flu every year so that your body is kept updated with the latest version of influenza virus.

Hand, foot and mouth disease, also known as HFM disease, is a viral infection caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. HFM disease is the most prevalent in young children under the age of 5 and can present as painful red blisters in the mouth, throat, hands, feet and diaper area. Children can also develop a fever for a few days and have trouble swallowing food or water due to pain in the throat. The disease is usually mild and will subside after 7 – 10 days. Unfortunately, there is no direct treatment for the disease and no vaccines available to help prevent infection. Instead, the symptoms and discomfort caused by illness can be managed with medications. More information about HFM disease can be found in our resource hub.

Chickenpox is an infection that is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus. This infection is very prevalent in children around the world however, it can impact adults as well. Symptoms include a fever, headache, runny nose or just a general sick feeling. A characteristic sign of chickenpox infection is the eruption of skin lesions on the body which can be very itchy and irritating. This infection can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Luckily, there are measures that you can take to prevent getting infected and this involves getting immunized against varicella virus. Getting vaccinated against chickenpox is completely safe and it encourages your immune system to build a very strong defence against the virus so that you do not get sick from this infection. More information about chickenpox can be found in our resource hub.

Strep throat is a common mild illness caused by a group of bacteria identified as Group A streptococcus bacteria. This group of bacteria can also cause some other diseases such as sinus infections, skin infections and scarlet fever. Although strep throat is more common in children and teenagers, it can affect people of all ages. A very prevalent symptom of strep throat is a sore throat which will usually be followed with a fever and swollen tonsils. This makes it difficult for the infected individual to swallow food or water. If experiencing strep throat, a full course treatment with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor will help decrease the infection itself and will clear up symptoms. More information about strep throat can be found in our resource hub.

Ringworm is a common infection that impacts the skin and nails. Although the name can be scary, ringworm has nothing to do with worms and is caused by different types of fungi. The symptoms of ringworm infection on the skin include a rash that has a circular appearance which resembles a ring. This rash can also be elevated around the edges. Infection in the nails can cause different colored appearances, a developing bump or nail separation from the skin. Although this is not a very serious infection, it may cause irritation and can be treated with appropriate medication prescribed by a doctor.