1. Infectious Respiratory Diseases
Communicable Diseases Unit
Lesson 2

2. Five Types
Common cold
Influenza
Pneumonia
Strep Throat
Tuberculosis

3. The Common Cold Over 200 viruses can cause a cold
Virus that infects the nose
High levels of stress can increase chance of catching a cold
Exposed to cold weather/getting chilled does not cause a cold!
Takes about 2-7 days to show symptoms

4. The Common Cold Transmission Symptoms Direct and indirect contact
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Headache
Cough/sore throat
Last 2-14 days

5. The Common Cold Treatment Prevention Rest and fluids
Over-the-counter meds
Prevention
Good hygiene
Avoid close contact with infected people
Rest, fluids, and good diet

6. Influenza (The Flu) Infection of the nose, throat, and lungs
Can cause complications (elderly, babies, people with chronic diseases)
Constantly changing (harder to form antibodies)

7. Influenza (The Flu) Transmission Symptoms Direct and indirect contact
Can spread rapidly in crowded places
Symptoms
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle aches
Others…

8. Influenza (The Flu) Treatment Prevention Rest and fluids
Over-the-counter meds
Children and teens should not take aspirin if have the flu – can lead to Reye’s Syndrome
Prevention
Avoid contact with infected people
Good hygiene
Flu shots

9. Pneumonia
Infection in the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens
Mild to severe and fatal
Transmission
Direct and indirect contact
Untreated respiratory infections

10. Pneumonia Symptoms Cough with mucus Fever Chest pain
Shallow/trouble breathing
Fatigue
Others…

11. Pneumonia Treatment Prevention Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia
Viral may need hospital care
Prevention
Avoid contact with infected people
Good hygiene
Prompt treatment of respiratory infections

12. Strep Throat Bacterial infection in throat Can lead to rheumatic fever
Transmission
Direct and indirect contact
Symptoms
Fever
Sever sore throat
Red throat with sores

13. Strep Throat Treatment Prevention Antibiotics Rest and fluids
Avoid contact with infected people
Good hygiene

14. Tuberculosis Bacterial infection in lungs
People with weakened immune systems more likely to contract (elderly, HIV infected, homeless, malnourished)
Transmission
Direct and indirect contact (airborne)

15. Tuberculosis Symptoms Treatment Mild cough and fever Fatigue
Weight loss
Night sweats
Coughing up blood
Treatment
Antibiotics (some pathogens are resistant)

16. Tuberculosis Prevention Avoid contact with infected people
Rooms with good ventilation reduce the risk of spreading TB