S. Jett, NBCT Montevallo Middle School

Common Diseases The cold is a communicable disease that strikes just about everyone. Why can’t we develop vaccines to prevent colds? How can you prevent spreading the cold to other people? What is the difference between the cold and flu? Chicken pox, measles and mumps are contagious diseases caused by viruses. Contagious period – the length of time that a particular disease can be spread from person to person.

Other communicable diseases Mononucleosis or mono is a viral disease characterized by a severe sore throat and swelling of the lymph glands in the neck. Spread by infected saliva. Hepatitis – characterized by the inflammation of the liver and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Usually spread by contamination. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs. TB is spread through the air. Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs. Strep throat is a severe sore throat caused by bacteria.