List of Contagious Diseases

You won't find a single human on the face of this earth who hasn't taken ill at one time or the other in his life. The common cold, flu, cough and some other diseases are common place and keep making a comeback over and over again. Our immune system is built around protecting us from these diseases and disorders and keeping us healthy. As many organs as there are in the body, those many will the types of diseases be (and more). And of these diseases, there are several of those which fall under types of contagious diseases. Contagious diseases are those types of diseases that are spread easily from human to human. These are the kind that are most dangerous because they make you susceptible and vulnerable and put your immunity at risk. In the following article, we shall provide you with a list of contagious diseases and give you the names of contagious diseases that you should be on the lookout for and take precautions against.

A General List

Contagious diseases can be spread in 3 ways.

• Direct physical contact with an infected person.
• Direct physical contact with objects and other surfaces that an infected person has touched.
• Coming in contact with airborne bacteria (through sneezing and coughing)

And that is why a contagious diseases list becomes necessary so that one knows the kind of diseases there are and what they should be cautious about.

• Flu (Influenza)
• Swine flu
• Tonsillitis
• Lice
• Polio
• Impetigo
• Leprosy
• Mumps
• Common cold
• Croup
• Scabies
• Measles
• Cold sores
• Plantar warts
• Ringworm
• Giardiasis
• Smallpox
• Athlete's foot
• Tuberculosis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Fifth disease
• Diphtheria
• Chickenpox
• Shigellosis
• Nail fungus
• Strep throat
• Syphilis
• Scarlet fever
• Pertussis whooping cough
• Bronchitis
• Leptospirosis
• Roseola infantum
• Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Viral laryngitis
• Coxsackievirus
• Mononucleosis
• Viral gastroenteritis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Epstein Barr virus
• Meningococcemia
• Fungal skin infections
• Staph infection (MRSA)
• Rubella aka German measles
• Crabs
• Mumps
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• HIV/AIDS
• Tetanus
• Malaria
• Hepatitis B
• Chancroid
• Tonsillitis
• Diphtheria
• Vaginitis
• All respiratory diseases
• Impetigo
• HPV

Many of these diseases like HIV/AIDS, measles and Hepatitis B can even result in death if proper precautions are not taken for the same. That is why it becomes important that you know what the common contagious diseases list is.

Skin Diseases

There are several skin conditions that go on to make their mark in the contagious diseases list as well.

• Leprosy
• Ringworm
• Chickenpox
• Fungal skin infections
• Rubella aka German measles
• Athlete's foot
• Smallpox
• Eczema
• Cold sores
• Warts
• All types of fungal infections
• Boils
• Scabies
• Ringworm
• Impetigo contagiosa
• Pediculosis
• Herpes simplex

Prevention and Treatment

When one knows the list of common infectious diseases inside out, one becomes cautious and can thus take steps to prevent and treat the infectious diseases in time before they spell more bad news for you.

So how does one go about preventing the spread of these contagious diseases? Think back to your childhood when you were taught all those lessons and stories that revolved around personal hygiene. They were told for a reason. That is what you should be doing - maintaining personal hygiene. Which involves the following factors among others.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial and antiseptic hand wash every time you enter your place from outdoors.
• Wash your feet as well.
• Make sure you cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
• Do not get into close proximity of a person you know is affected if you can avoid it.
• Do not share personal toiletries with people. Especially with those who are infected.

As far as STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are concerned, practicing safe sex is key in preventing the spread of diseases. Also, getting yourself checked from time to time is considered best.

As far as treatment goes, technology has made great advances and several of these contagious diseases can be treated with medication and vaccinations. These vaccines are readily available and can be made use of. Make sure to keep a copy of this list of contagious diseases handy and try to prevent them rather than treat them.