Infectious Diseases: Which Are The Most Common And How Cases Increase With The Rains

These diseases are caused mainly by four types of germs: bacteria, unicellular organisms that multiply rapidly and emit toxins that cause pathologies such as strep throat and urinary tract infections; viruses are small capsules of generic material that invade cells to multiply; the most common diseases they cause are the common flu and HIV/AIDS. Fungi cause diseases such as athlete’s foot and parasites are animals that survive on or inside other living beings and cause pathologies such as malaria, explains MedlinePlus.

Infectious diseases can be transmitted from person to person, by an infected animal or by food. However, they can be prevented by hygiene methods, such as frequent handwashing and food safety, getting vaccinated, and avoiding contact with those who have some symptoms.

Most common infectious diseases

The common cold, acute bronchitis, sinusitis, influenza, skin infections, urinary tract infections, measles, tuberculosis, salmonellosis, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rotavirus, and pharyngitis are some of the many most common infectious diseases. However, some increase depending on the weather, especially when it goes from hot to rainy.

“There are many infectious diseases, but if we limit them to those related to the weather, then there are respiratory tract infections, which are those that affect the ear, throat, nose, and lungs; and those that affect the gastrointestinal tract,” says infectious disease specialist Evelyn Rojas.

The expert adds that with the seasonality of the climate, there are important changes in the development of diseases, since now with the heat some pathologies that were previously seen only in the rainy season, such as those caused by parasites, are common. “The pandemic modified the behavior of germs because, with hygiene measures and the use of masks, these diseases decreased, but now it is changing again.”

For Iris Cazali, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Roosevelt Hospital, the rainy season favors diarrheal infections caused by viruses or bacteria, such as salmonella; but also those caused by parasites such as amoebas and giardia. “Rain tends to contaminate water, which causes an increase in diseases. For this reason, it is important to chlorinate, filter, or boil it,” she adds.

In the transition from hot to rainy weather, the most common infectious diseases are those affecting the respiratory and intestinal tracts.

Respiratory diseases

Among the most common infectious diseases that affect the respiratory tract in the transition from heat to rain is influenza, which can be divided into: influenza type A, influenza type B, and the subvariant of type A which can be H1N1, H2N3, H2N5, depending on the seasonality, says Rojas.

Also mentioned are adenovirus, metapneumovirus, and relatives, which cause illnesses similar to COVID-19 and influenza and are characterized by symptoms such as fever, general malaise, cough, muscle and joint pain, and nasal congestion.

In childhood, symptoms are usually caused by respiratory syncytial virus, which causes high fever, body aches, loss of appetite, and weakness. It is important to treat it in time because it may require hospitalization.

Viruses associated with pneumonia, such as mycoplasma pneumonia and pneumococcus, also tend to affect the patient. These cause moderate fevers of 2-29°C, general malaise, muscle pain, conjunctivitis, and loss of appetite, but are differentiated by changes in oxygen saturation and cause tachycardia. Infectologist Rojas recommends having an oximeter – like the one used for COVID-19 – and checking that oxygenation drops below 94 and the heart rate does not exceed 130. If this is the case, it is vital to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Tuberculosis can also manifest itself with changes in the weather and is identified by fatigue, fever at night, and constant coughing. But mainly because one can cough up mucus (hemoptysis).

“Bronchopneumonia and bronchitis are also common. It is important to take into account that the two extremes of life are the most affected, that is, children and the elderly,” Cazali said.

Intestinal diseases

Regarding viruses that cause gastrointestinal infection, the most common after the COVID-19 pandemic are norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, which cause diarrhea. In the case of rotavirus, although it is common in children, several cases have also been seen in adults and it is identified by severe diarrhea, with up to 20 bowel movements in one night. This symptom is also accompanied by fever, mild stomach pain, and dehydration.

Bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which are acquired when food is not properly prepared or is not hygienic, also cause diarrhea, general malaise, fever, and abdominal pain. These diseases are usually treated with antibiotics, “especially typhoid fever because it can affect the kidneys, lungs, and liver, so it must be diagnosed by hematology and stool examination,” says Rojas.

Amoebiasis, one of the most common parasites, causes the expulsion of mucus during diarrhea, as well as general malaise, abdominal pain like cramps, and sometimes fever. “What we must remember is what we ate in the last 48 hours before the onset of diarrhea, because it is usually not the last meal that makes us sick and causes the disease, since when the parasite enters the body it lodges in the intestine and grows there, then causes discomfort,” explains the infectious disease specialist.

How to prevent them

According to experts, the most effective ways to prevent these diseases are to maintain constant hand washing and use alcohol gel, as was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to wear a mask in closed places with poor ventilation and lots of people. In addition, it is vital to temporarily distance yourself from people who have any symptoms.

Another important way is for both adults and children to have a complete vaccination schedule. This will help prevent various diseases such as influenza and pneumococcus.