Disease is an abnormal condition that adversely affects the structure or function of all or part of your body. It can be caused by several pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, or it could be due to external or environmental factors. Diseases are often considered as medical conditions and are associated with specific signs and symptoms. They can vary in intensity and treatment usually depends on the type of disease and its severity.
There may be a variety of diseases affecting humans for centuries. This article will explore three common and popular diseases like COVID-19, food poisoning, and malaria, and ways in which you can avoid them.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory illness that may even be fatal (deadly). This virus likely spreads through direct contact with the airborne droplets from an infected person released into the air while coughing and sneezing. It can also spread from close contact with the infected person (touching, kissing, shaking hands). Infants, aged people, and people with compromised immunity are prone to contracting the disease.
The best way to avoid COVID-19 is by:
- Getting vaccinated
- Staying away from an infected person
- Wearing a double mask
- Sanitizing your hands or washing them with soap and water
- Avoiding crowded, indoor closed spaces
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning or foodborne diseases occur when you eat contaminated or expired food products. The food may be infected by toxic factors like bacteria, virus, parasites, or fungi. When you eat something toxic your body reacts abnormally resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea (frequent watery stools), abdominal cramps, fever, headache, nausea, and weakness. Chronic food poisoning leads to gastroenteritis, inflaming your stomach and small intestine.
Safe food handling practices are the most important ways to avoid food poisoning.
The following ways can help you avoid food poisoning:
- Do not use expired food products like flour, rice, spices, dairy products, and cooking oil.
- Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Cook the food well
- Avoid eating raw foods like meat and eggs
What is Malaria?
Malaria is considered a serious disease caused by mosquito bites that are infected by tiny parasites. When bitten the mosquitoes can inject malarial parasites into your bloodstream, infecting you. Malaria is common in hot and humid climates and may be dangerous if not detected and treated on time. This infectious disease can result in a cascade of symptoms like fever, sweating, chills, headache, fatigue, chest pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
To avoid malaria or lower your chance, you must:
- Apply mosquito repellent to the exposed skin
- Drape mosquito netting over beds
- Put screens on windows and doors
- Treat clothes, mosquito nets, sleeping sheets, and other fabrics with an insect repellent
- Avoid being in an area swamped with mosquitoes
- Wear long pants and sleeves to cover your skin
Takeaway
Diseases are common and can result in a series of different signs and symptoms. They may be caused due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Currently, the most common and popular diseases across the world are COVID-19, food poisoning, and malaria. Early detection and treatment is the key to successful outcomes. Furthermore, you can take precautionary measures to avoid the onset or progression of diseases.
Consult a skilled and experienced healthcare professional if you think you may be suffering from any of the above-mentioned diseases.
