Common Problems in Infectious Disease

Generally, you should consult your health care provider if you have or think you may have an infectious disease. They can determine whether you have been infected and give you the best advice for treating or preventing disease. Here are some details on how several types of infectious diseases can be contracted.

How Do You Get Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the U.S. Germs called bacteria, viruses, and fungi may cause pneumonia. Ways you can get pneumonia include bacteria and viruses living in your nose, sinuses, or mouth may spread to your lungs. You may also breathe some of these germs directly into your lungs.

How Do You Get Tuberculosis?
You are more likely to get Tuberculosis (TB) if you have a weak immune system. TB is a bacterial infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or talks. The bacteria usually attack the lungs.

How Do You Get Meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people who have trouble fighting infections. The most common type of meningitis is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain.

How Do You Get Malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite and spread by infected mosquitoes. Malaria is a major cause of death worldwide, but it is almost wiped out in the U.S. The disease is mostly a problem in developing countries with warm climates. If you travel to these countries, you are at risk. Malaria symptoms include chills, flu like symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice.