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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffInfectious diseases are all caused by infective agents — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some, however, are transmitted via bites from insects or animals. Others are acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water or other exposures in the environment.
Signs and symptoms of infectious diseases vary, but often include fever and chills. Mild complaints may respond to home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Many infectious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can now be prevented by vaccines. Frequent and thorough hand washing also helps protect you from infectious diseases.
- Understanding microbes in sickness and in health. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/microbes/PDF/microbesbook.pdf. Accessed May 6, 2009.
- Facts about infectious diseases. Infectious Diseases Society of America. http://www.idsociety.org/factsaboutid.html. Accessed May 6, 2009.
- Opal SM, et al. Host responses to infection. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen and Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135757989-3/0/1209/7.html?tocnode=49351280&fromURL=7.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..50004-0_85. Accessed May 6, 2009.
- Iacoviello VR, et al. Principles of anti-infective therapy. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen and Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135757989-5/0/1209/535.html?tocnode=49356432&fromURL=535.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..X5001-6--section7_5237. Accessed May 6, 2009.
- Steckelberg J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 18, 2009.
- Routes of transmission. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's: Principles and practice of infectious diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/136228628-6/838936308/1259/99.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50015-5--cesec23_433. Accessed May 8, 2009.
- Crowcroft N, et al. Prevention. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen and Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135757989-5/0/1209/9.html?tocnode=49351308&fromURL=9.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02407-6..50005-2_113. Accessed May 6, 2009.
- Johnson KS, et al. Lumbar puncture: Technique, indications, contraindications and complications in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 8, 2009.
- Chest X-ray (chest radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=chestrad. Accessed May 13, 2009.
- CT: Body. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct. Accessed May 13, 2009.
- MRI of the head. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=headmri. Accessed May 13, 2009.
- An ounce of prevention keeps the germs away. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/docs/oop_brochure_eng.pdf, Accessed May 13, 2009.
