5 most common contagious illnesses you can catch. You go about your daily routine, work, run errands, cook, and clean while keeping yourself hygienic, healthy, and well-rested. However, no matter how much work you put into keeping yourself healthy, becoming sick can slow you down.
So here are the 5 most common contagious illnesses you can catch and some remedies for a quick recovery.
It’s never fun to feel healthy one day and then get struck down by the flu the next.
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
The highly contagious varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox, also known as varicella. It spreads through coughing and sneezing or direct contact with skin lesions. It’s more common among school-aged children, college students, and post-secondary educational facilities. Common symptoms include a rash appearing and being contagious for a day or two.
Chicken pox develops 10 to 21 days after exposure and can reactivate later in life as a painful condition called shingles. For prevention, children should receive an initial dose of a vaccine at ages 12 to 15 months, then a second dose between 4 to 6 years old.
5 Most Common Contagious Illnesses You Can Catch
Flu (Influenza)
The flu is considered a common contagious illness you can catch anytime, no matter where you are. It’s a common virus that spreads through the droplets of an infected person, usually through sneezing or coughing. Additionally, you can contract the flu by touching a virus-infection surface, then touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
Symptoms of influenza include chills, cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. Luckily, remedies include getting a yearly flu vaccine or washing your hands often, consuming vitamin C, and not touching your face.
Hepatitis – 5 Most Common Contagious Illnesses You Can Catch
Hepatitis is a dangerous illness you can contract. It infects the liver, an essential organ in the human body, causing inflammation and affecting its overall function. Hepatitis is a viral infection that comes from heavy alcohol use, toxins, medications, and medical conditions.
The most common types of hepatitis include A, a short-term infection, and B and C, which begin as short-term but can lead to chronic diseases and long-term liver problems. Although there are vaccines to help prevent Hepatitis A and B, there are no vaccines for C. However, there are, luckily, treatments that help.
5 Most Common Contagious Illnesses You Can Catch
Norovirus
Also known as “stomach poisoning,” norovirus is an inflammation in your gut. It results in pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with the infection spreading through direct contact with stool or vomit from an infected person.
When a norovirus outbreak occurs, you can contract it by consuming foods or drinks contaminated with the virus. Luckily, recovery is quick, as long as you rest and drink plenty of fluids. So remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the restroom and before prepping or handling foods.
5 Most Common Contagious Illnesses You Can Catch
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs)
Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STIs, are contracted through sexual activity. You can contract a handful of STIs, such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc. It can lead to infertility, cancer, and pregnancy complications. Condoms work best against contraction. If you have contracted an STI, contact your doctor immediately.
Read more – Signs You Need To See a Dermatologist
