Pathogens: The microorganisms that cause infections are called pathogens. Pathogens can be different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
Symptoms: Infections can cause a range of different symptoms depending on the type of pathogen and the affected body part. Symptoms can include fever, swelling, pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, fatigue and more.
Spread: Infections can be spread in various ways including direct contact with an infected person indirect contact with contaminated objects, airborne droplets, food or water contaminated with pathogens and through insect or parasite bites.
Treatment: The treatment of infections can vary depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections while antiviral drugs can be used to treat viral infections. Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal agents while parasitic infections may require specific medications.
Prevention: Prevention measures include good hand hygiene, vaccinations, safe sex, safe food handling and to avoid contact with infected people or objects.
Infections can be mild and self-healing or serious and require medical treatment.
Some examples of different infections
Cold (Cold Virus): Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, fever, headache and general fatigue.
Influenza (Influenza virus): Symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, cough and general malaise.
Strep throat (Streptococcus): Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and sometimes a rash.
Urinary tract infection (E. coli bacteria): Symptoms include painful urination, frequent urination, pressure over the pelvis and sometimes fever.
Pneumonia (Pneumococcus or other pathogens): Symptoms include high fever , cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain and general tiredness.
Skin infection (Staphylococcus aureus or other bacteria): Symptoms include redness, swelling, blistering and pain on the affected skin.
