Nursing Care for Infectious Diseases

- Introduction to Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They are normally harmless or even helpful, but under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease. Other organisms may live outside the human body (e.g., another human, an animal, contaminated tools, etc.).

Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some are transmitted by insect or animal bites, and others are acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment.

These diseases can be classified into three categories:

·        Pandemic Diseases: Diseases that spread within groups and communities but on a non-wide and comprehensive scale.

·        Endemic Diseases: Diseases that spread within a specific and limited group.

·        Epidemic Diseases: Diseases that can spread on a wide level and affect communities in different parts of the world.

Overall, these diseases can cause high levels of mortality, place heavy burdens of disability and cost on the population, and have serious global repercussions due to their rapid spread and unpredictable nature.