Coronavirus: Besides COVID, these are the illnesses that are highly contagious and need to be under surveillance

01/5Respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza are highly infectious

Get over COVID, it’s time to keep a check on other diseases too. COVID symptoms have been widely discussed but since 2020 we have reduced our surveillance on other pathogen-induced respiratory diseases. These diseases have been putting a scathing attack on human lives every season and it is crucial to understand their symptoms and get treated before it is too late.

Respiratory illnesses as COVID are accountable for the highest deaths worldwide. As per a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), “respiratory diseases are leading causes of death and disability in the world. About 65 million people suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 3 million die from it each year, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide.”

Respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza are highly infectious and contagious. Every year many lives are lost due to these diseases.

02/5​Pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), respiratory syncytial virus and Pneumocystis jiroveci are the common types of pathogens that cause pneumonia. This disease accounts for 14% of deaths in children every year.

Pneumonia is highly contagious. As per WHO, the viruses and bacteria that are commonly found in a child’s nose or throat, can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. They may also spread via air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze. In addition, pneumonia may spread through blood, especially during and shortly after birth.

The common symptoms of pneumonia are breathlessness and/ or pain in breathing. The small sacs present in the lungs called alveoli are filled with pus and fluid which limits the breathing capacity of an individual.

Other symptoms of pneumonia are chest pain, cough, fatigue, low body temperature, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and chills

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