There are many illnesses or skin lesions that we may take for granted because we have seen them several times. Do we need to be extra careful when we draw close to people who have these conditions or are we being over cautious and avoiding people who cannot infect us with their condition? How ready are you to defend yourself?
Do you know if the conditions below are infectious or not? Try answering with a simple Yes or No before you read my comments.
1. Cold Sores
a. This uncomfortable and often unsightly lesion may be found on the lips but it may also attack the chin, cheeks or even nostrils. We may see this after a bout of illness when our immunity is low.
b. It is caused by a virus; herpes simplex 1 and is contagious. Yes it can easily be spread from person to person.
2. Hives
a. These are bumps on the skin. May appear suddenly and may itch. Normally have a short life-span.
b. It is often from an allergic reaction to food or medicine but occasionally may be caused by an infection or stress.
c. Relax! It s not infectious.
3. Acne (Pimples)
a. Often a teenager’s nightmare. Acne appears to decide to torment you once you decide to “look pretty”
b. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought to involve excess oil, clogged pores and even bacteria. Hormonal changes have also been blamed. Has this forced you to stop eating groundnuts and chocolates? You could reconsider.
c. Certainly not infectious.
4. Eczema
a. They can torment a whole family. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some are silent and others make life a living hell.
b. They are not infectious but it may affect a whole family because eczema is genetically linked.
5. Chicken Pox
a. This is definitely infectious and so is its “descendant” shingles that we get several years after an episode of chicken pox. Most people with chicken pox do not get shingles in the future. A few unfortunate ones will have the varicella-zoster virus reactivated years later and develop the extremely uncomfortable shingles.
6. Common Cold
a. We see it so often that we take it for granted. Common cold is one of the major causes of lost productivity worldwide. That coughing colleague with a dripping nose can easily infect you during the first three days of the condition.
b. Quite often after a week of sneezing and coughing he/she is unlikely to be contagious but how will you be able to tell? Keep your distance to be safe.
7. Meningitis
a. There may be several conditions that cause the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to be inflammed but a common one is viral and hence they can be infective.
b. It can be spread from drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected, that become airborne when he coughs, laughs, talks or sneezes.
8. Malaria
a. You cannot get malaria merely by contact with an infected person no matter how severe the condition may be. The presence of a mosquito is necessary to transfer from the sufferer to another by biting the infected and transferring to another through another bite. Avoid mosquito bites and get proper treatment whenever you have symptoms suggestive of malaria.
9. HIV (causes AIDS)
a. This has been drummed home several times. This virus can’t survive well outside the body so it is unlikely to be transmitted through the environment. The dangerous body fluids in this case are blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
You know a few conditions that you should flee from and others that need virtually no reaction from you but at all times your best weapon is to stay healthy by eating appropriately and exercising daily.
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Moms’ Health Club
(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.
Thought for the week – “Every extra pound shaves off one month from your life span. 60 pounds (~27kg) can cost you five (5) years of life”
Reference:
1. www.webmd.com