Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases
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Communicable diseases also referred as contagious diseases are diseases transmitted via direct contact “with infected persons” or indirectly through microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They usually spread “through the exchange of body fluids” and blood, bites from insects like mosquitoes or airborne by breathing in a virus (Anderson, 2017). Examples of communicable diseases include Ebola, HIV/AIDS, Zika, Hepatitis A and B, Flu, Measles, STD’S, Tuberculosis, etc. In this particular region, HIV/AIDS, STD’s Hepatitis B have proven a major challenge. This paper purports to investigate these three communicable diseases and find ways to mitigate their spread.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the one that caused AIDS. The virus is usually transmitted between persons through bodily fluids like blood; fluids discharged after sexual intercourse and breast milk. Studies have shown that unprotected sex with an infected person and being in direct contact with HIV infected blood are the key ways that AIDS is transmitted (Clark, 2015). Contact with the blood is usually through open wounds and sharing of injection equipment. It is, however, important to note that HIV is not transmitted from saliva, sweat or tears.
Studies have also shown that people live and finally die from AIDS because of not knowing that they are infected with the virus and hence fail to get the required medical treatments. There is, however, no cure for AIDS, but there are treatments that have been developed to reduce its effects and related symptoms hence allowing those infected to live longer (Alameda, 2013).

The various types of STDs that people in the region are affected with include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV/AIDS that has already been discussed in detail above. Research has shown that these are the major causes of infertility and deaths in the region. Chlamydia for one, a bacterial infection is easily treatable with the proper medications. However, its symptoms are not easily traceable, and as a result, many fail to get treatment and suffer (Alameda, 2013). Some of the symptoms include swollen testicles in men and chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Gonorrhea, a bacterial infection also is treatable with early detection. Smelly vaginal discharge and deep, sharp pains when urinating in men are some of its major symptoms. Lastly, syphilis the last of the STDs affecting people in the region is also a bacterial infection that is easily treated with antibiotics. Major symptoms include mild fever, fatigue, rashes on private parts, etc. However, if left untreated syphilis has been known to result in blindness, mental disorders, and death.
The other medical challenge in the region is the treatment of Hepatitis B a viral disease that can cause liver damage. Before the invention of the vaccine, acute and chronic infections were reported on a daily basis. The vaccine is recommended to be given at birth to infants but could also be administered to adults through a three-shot vaccine (Clark, 2015). However, there are cases of ignorant people who suffer the consequences and end up with liver failures and other serious health complications.
In summary, the majority of these communicable diseases are preventable and treatable. Avoiding engaging in unprotected sex for one will help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Research has however shown that people in the region are often ashamed after attracting sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and as such fails or are afraid of seeking medical help. The healthcare givers in the region should conduct a sensitization campaign to show the importance of seeking medical help early.
References
Alameda, A. (2013). Hep B – ACPHD. Acphd.org. Retrieved 20 February 2018, from http://www.acphd.org/hepb.aspx
Anderson, N. (2017). Top 10 Most Communicable Diseases. LIVESTRONG.COM. Retrieved 20 February 2018, from https://www.livestrong.com/article/88298-top-communicable-diseases/
Clark, M. (2015). Population and community health nursing (6th ed.). New York: Julie Alexander.