Healthcare services became an essential part of our daily lives, when we are amidst the covid pandemic. Staying aware of the common symptoms can greatly reduce the burden on them. Why not stay informed of the common types of epidemics and pandemics that plague our world recently?
An epidemic is a disease outbreak that spreads quickly and affects a large number of people. The word comes from the Greek word "epidēmia" which means "affliction with a public show." The distinction between epidemics and pandemics is that pandemics have a much wider reach, often spread over continents.
Epidemics can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms Chemical or biological agents, such as radiation or toxic substances, can also cause them. They comprise a major threat to the world. They can be caused by natural disasters, biological agents, or even man-made weapons.
So here are the five most common types of epidemics or pandemics, influenza (flu), measles, AIDS, and now Covid 19.
Influenza
The flu (influenza) is an infection of the respiratory system's nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is a commonly used term for influenza, but it is not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most people with the flu will recover on their own and are able to get on with their lives.
However, influenza and its comorbidities can be fatal at times. Young children under the age of two are at an increased risk of developing flu complications, as are adults over the age of 65. This also includes Nursing home and other long-term care facility residents, pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant during flu season, People with compromised immune systems, individuals who suffer from long-term illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes and among others.
Measles
Measles is a viral infection that affects children. Measles was once quite common, but nowadays can be avoided with a vaccine.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is easily spread and can be fatal in young children. While global death rates have declined steadily as more children receive the measles vaccine, the disease still kills more than 200,000 people each year with the majority still comprising young children. Signs and symptoms of measles appear 10 to 14 days after virus exposure.
Measles symptoms and signs typically include: fever, parched coughing, nose bleed, throat discomfort, and inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) Koplik's spots are tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red accent that is inside the mouth on the inner cheek lining. A skin rash composed of large, flat blotches that frequently flow into one another.
The Ebola
The Ebola virus was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Ebola virus is a type of hemorrhagic fever that is transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person. It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.
Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Anyone who has been exposed to the virus should monitor their health for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if they experience any possible infection, such as fever, muscle aches, and sore throat.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a chronic, potentially fatal condition (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV reduces your body's ability to fight infection and disease. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STI). It can also be transmitted through contact with infected blood, clandestine injections or drug use, or needle sharing.
It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, rash, sore throat, and painful mouth sores with severe weight loss. Without treatment, it could take years for HIV to weaken your immune system to the point where you develop AIDS. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medicines can regulate the infectious disease and prevent its progression.
Covid 19
Covid 19 has caused countless deaths and damage to the global economy. Most people exposed to the virus will undergo subclinical respiratory illness and will recover without the need for special treatment. Some, however, will become critically ill and require treatment.
People over the age of 65, as well as those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer, are at an increased risk of contracting a serious illness. The symptoms include Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat.
Anyone of any age can become seriously ill or die as a result of COVID-19. Certain people have been infected with an atypical COVID-19 virus, which can cause severe damage and even death.
All throughout covid Al- Adwani General hospital has displayed its stellar service with its dedicated staff leading the charge against covid. This has led us to be one of the leading healthcare providers in KSA and one of the best hospitals in the Makkah, Taif region.
