Your risk of contagious diseases and how long it takes you to recover will depend on the following :
- Your immune system response
- Age
- Prior exposure
- Underlying illness
- Exposure to smoke
- Virus type
Here are a few facts to take note on contagious diseases.
- Rest is best for flu and colds. Treatment is available if you have the flu or have been exposed to it. However cold typically has no treatment.
- Most sore throats aren’t strep throat. They are usually viral. However strep throat and sore throat can occur together. A throat swab will test for Strep and determine the need for antibiotics. This can help you avoid complications.
- Bronchitis is extremely common .Viral bronchitis typically peaks in the late fall and winter along with other respiratory infections.
- Pneumonia is not seasonal. This respiratory infection can occur all year round . This is because the lungs are constantly exposed to particulates and microbes.
- Norovirus are highly contagious. It is the most common cause of stomach virus. This occurs all year round but peaks in the fall and winter. Outbreaks can develop.
It is always important to avoid people with weak immune system when you’re sick. Wear a mask and wash your hands and check in with your doctor.
Content Sources
Some pointers about contagious disease. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-you-contagious-right-now-or-not/. Accessed May 17th, 2018
Contagious disease and disasters. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/about/facts/cdcfastfacts/contagious-diseases-disasters.html. Accessed mAY 17th, 2018
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