What are respiratory infectious diseases?

Respiratory infectious diseases are a common type of disease in our lives. They are spread through air, droplets and other channels, allowing people to be infected inadvertently. Common respiratory infectious diseases include influenza, common cold, tuberculosis, whooping cough, measles, etc. Each disease has its own unique transmission method and symptoms, but they all have one thing in common, which is that they affect our respiratory system.

Flu and common cold are the most common respiratory infectious diseases. Flu is usually caused by influenza virus and has more severe symptoms, including high fever, body aches, fatigue, etc., while colds may be caused by a variety of viruses and have milder symptoms, such as runny nose and cough. Although they may seem common, they may cause serious complications if not taken seriously, especially in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but may also spread to other parts of the body. It is transmitted through the air. When patients cough or sneeze, the bacteria will enter the air with droplets, which may be infected after being inhaled by others. Although modern medicine has well controlled tuberculosis, it is still a public health problem worldwide.

Whooping cough and measles are two respiratory infections that mainly affect children. Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and is characterized by a violent cough that may cause difficulty breathing. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that presents with rash and fever in addition to respiratory symptoms. Vaccination is an effective measure to prevent these diseases.

In daily life, ways to prevent respiratory infectious diseases include washing hands frequently, wearing masks, maintaining good personal hygiene habits, and getting vaccinated during the flu season. Keeping indoor ventilation, eating a proper diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising moderately can also enhance immunity and reduce the risk of infection. In the face of respiratory infectious diseases, we need to be vigilant, but there is no need to panic too much. Scientific prevention and timely treatment are the key.