UNCOMMON BUT DANGEROUS DISEASES YOU SHOULD KNOW

dangerous diseases

You will rarely go a few months without the media or private organizations bringing awareness to various diseases. Some of these commonly highlighted conditions include cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, among others. However, there are other diseases you rarely hear about but are equally dangerous. This blog will tell you about UncommonBut Dangerous Diseases you should know.

The thing about these uncommon diseases is they affect only a fraction of the world’s population. However, this does not mean that people should not be cautious. Even the ‘simplest’ of diseases can turn fatal in the blink of an eye. It is the sole reason why we look to highlight various preventive measures concerning these diseases.

On that note, below are some of the uncommon diseases that can be fatal if not detected early, and the right medication to administer.

Let us delve into specifics.

  • Lyme disease 

Lyme disease is common in the United States and Europe. It is a disease transmitted by the deer ticks. Unfortunately, not many Lyme disease occurrences have been reported, making it a rare disease.

For detection, the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria must be present in the tests. This bacteria is found in ticks. The first symptom is a reddish bump that appears at the bite area, which then resolves in a few days. However, it is within that month that other specific symptoms start occurring. These symptoms include a rash in the affected area, fever, neck stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes, among others.

If Lyme disease treatment is not administered early, the rash spreads to other parts of the body and may cause joint pain. In a majority of the cases, knee joint pains occur. These pains can also shift from one joint to the other. Additionally, there is a likelihood of developing meningitis, temporary paralysis that mostly affects one side of the face, and weakness of the limbs. All these symptoms can happen from a week to years after the tick bite.

Prevention 

Lyme disease is preventable by staying out of woody and bushy areas. If that is not an option, make sure you cover up. Also, use insect repellents and remove ticks as soon as they bite.

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Antibiotics are effective at fighting the infection. LIVV Natural also offers an alternative treatment to this condition.

  • Tetanus

Tetanus is a rare but dangerous disease. With the ease of accessibility to the tetanus vaccine, it is only a small percentage of the unvaccinated population that catch the infection.

The tetanus bacteria are mostly in animal feces and dirt/soil. It gains access to the human body through cuts and wounds. The bacteria has adverse effects on the nervous system and also causes contractions on the jaw and neck. No wonder medical practitioners also refer to it as lockjaw. At this stage, an infected person finds it hard to breathe. Troubled feeding and painful spasms are common symptoms associated with tetanus.

Prevention

A tetanus vaccine is readily available in most health centers. In case of cuts or wounds, it is essential to go to a hospital and have the vaccine administered. 

It is the high risks associated with tetanus that make it a necessity for pregnant mothers to have vaccinations of the same. It is also one of the vaccines given to children before the age of 1.

  • Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is an uncommon flu characterized by jaundice and elevated bodily temperatures, hence the name. It spreads through bites from mosquitos that contain the flavivirus. Generally, this illness is prevalent in specific areas in Africa. Some cases have also been reported in South America. Unfortunately, the disease is deadly and incurable.

Prevention 

Considering the disease’s fatality rates, the only prevention is to get a vaccination against it. This vaccine is especially encouraged for people who are traveling to countries prone to the illness. Administration of the vaccine is done to persons between the ages of 9 months and 59 years.

  • Tuberculosis 

Another uncommon but fatal disease is tuberculosis, abbreviated as TB. A few decades ago, TB was a leading cause of disease-related deaths. However, with more emphasis put on healthy and better living, infections and deaths associated with the disease declined.

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TB infections happen when a person inhales the Mycobacterium tuberculosis into their lungs. Once the lungs are affected, a patient can easily infect people with whom they are in close contact. 

In another case scenario, the bacteria can infiltrate a person’s lungs by remaining inactive. This is a case of latent TB. The infected person may not be aware of the infection. With inactive cases, infections cannot be passed to others. However, treatment is required.

Fatigue, persistent coughs that last for at least 21 days, chest pains, fever, swelling of the neck, and inexplicable weight loss are some of the tell-n-tale signs of TB infection.

TB is treatable using strong antibiotics. The medication is taken consistently for 6 to 9 months. Failure to which, the drug might become resistant and fail to work.

Without treatment, TB is fatal. If can cause cardiovascular complications, leading to death. 

Prevention

TB prevention is basic. Staying in a well-ventilated room, wearing masks, and staying away from infected persons are some of the practices that can help keep the disease at bay.

Some countries offer TB vaccinations to children. However, several nations are against the practice, only encouraging it when these children are at a high risk of the disease.

  • Dengue Fever

Dengue is another uncommon disease rarely talked about. Just like the yellow fever, it is spread through bites from infected mosquitos. Infections are mostly in the tropical and subtropical areas. 

Symptoms of this deadly disease include nose bleeds, rashes, and fever. Additionally, infected persons may report feeling pain behind their eyes as well as bleeding gums. 

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for dengue fever. So, when living or traveling to areas prone to the disease, it is essential to cover yourself and embrace other mosquito-control practices.

All in all, it is not to say that because these diseases are uncommon, you are safe. It is for the best to practice the above listed preventive measures. That way, you keep you and your family safe.