By Kshithij R Nambiar
Diseases are caused by different types of tiny infectious agents. They are so small that they can't be seen with the naked eye, but they can cause significant harm to the human body. When these agents enter our body, they can attack our immune system, damage our cells, and cause various symptoms such as fever, cough, or muscle pain. Some diseases can be easily treated with medications, while others can be more serious and require more advanced medical care. Diseases may not be so dangerous but depending on the symptoms it can be lethal and severe.
What are the some of the most dangerous diseases in the world which have been eradicated or weakened?
1. The Black Death – The advent of the Black Plague marked one of the most significant health crises in human history. This bubonic plague, which emerged in 1346, quickly spread throughout Europe and Asia, causing significant social and economic disruption. With a death toll estimated to have exceeded 75 million victims, the Black Plague represented a significant challenge to public health during this time. The disease was believed to have been transmitted by rodents, including rats and mice. However, it was ultimately halted in 1354 by the evolution of the human immune system, which improved the population's ability to resist many infectious diseases.
2. Smallpox – Smallpox was a virus which was a tad more dangerous than The Black Death, and a lot deadly. Research showed that this disease had infected 500 million people, was estimated to have killed 300 million people and was weakened and almost eradicated in 1980 by the WHO. Even now some extremely rare cases arrive but it isn’t very contagious as it had been in between 1900 to 1980. It was eradicated by immunization, similar to the Black Death. Smallpox represents a significant chapter in the history of infectious diseases, and its impact still resonates to this day. By studying the epidemiology of the disease and the mechanisms of its transmission, scientists have gained valuable insights into the dynamics of infectious diseases. Overall, Smallpox serves as a reminder of the importance of public health measures in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases, both in the past and present.
3. Cholera:- Cholera is also known as blue death. It is because it is a bacteria mostly spread by water. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration and is fatal if not treated right away. This bacterial disease was found in India in 1817 and had been eradicated in 1961. It spread through all parts of the world and had totally infected 140 million people and killed 4 million people. That may be a short number compared to the other two plagues mentioned above, but still there are rare cases of Cholera in some countries. Antibiotics, IV fluids and rehydration have been administered by scientists to cure Cholera.
The following are standard treatments that should be adopted to prevent the spread and mitigate the severity of any disease:
I. When the skin is cut or damaged.
1. Cleaning the Wound: Immediately clean the wound with water to remove dirt and debris, which can harbor bacteria.
2. Applying Antiseptic: Apply an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine, to the wound to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
3. Covering the Wound: Cover the wound with a clean bandage or dressing to protect it from further contamination.
4. Applying Ice: Applying ice or a cold compress can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with injuries.
5. Healing: When the bandage is removed, let it heal and don’t pick the wound by removing the black skin.
II .When you are sick and not feeling so well:-
When you're sick, it's important to:
1. Rest: Allow your body to recuperate by getting plenty of rest.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or broth, to prevent dehydration.
3. Take Medications: Take effective medications as directed to alleviate symptoms like fever, cough, or congestion.
4. Eat Nutritious Foods: Consume nutritious foods to support you’re immune system, even if you don't have much appetite.
5. Avoid Spreading Germs: Stay home from work or school to prevent spreading illness to others.
6. Seek Medical Attention if necessary. If you’re symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
THANK YOU
I HOPE THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP YOU HAVE MORE AWARENESS ABOUT YOUR DISEASES AND SYMPTOMS.
By Kshithij R Nambiar
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