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Top 9 Communicable Diseases in India

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You go to the office one day and find out that a couple of colleagues are coughing and sneezing. You shake hands and, later, share lunch. Well, you thought that your immunity was quite strong and you wouldn’t catch their germs. Turns out it wasn’t the case. And now you are sitting at home recuperating from your illness. Several communicable diseases are quite common in India and can range from mild common colds to severe ailments like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Being aware of them is the first step towards avoiding them. Let’s explore the most common communicable diseases.

What are the Most Communicable Diseases in India?

When a disease gets transmitted by coming into contact with infected persons or contaminated objects, surfaces, or food, it is called a communicable disease. Some of the most communicable diseases in India are –

1. Covid-19:

Highly infectious, Covid-19 or Coronavirus is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was a global pandemic, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Coronavirus causes mild to moderate respiratory infection and spreads from the droplets of infected people when they cough or sneeze. If people with compromised immunity or chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc., get infected with COVID-19, it can lead to severe complications and even prove fatal. The best way to prevent yourself from getting this infection or prevent transmission is to follow COVID-19 protocol, such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, maintaining social distance, and staying isolated if you are infected.

2. Typhoid:

This bacterial infection spreads through contaminated food or water. It is highly contagious, and the germs from an infected person can spread through their faeces or urine. Typhoid can be prevented with proper sanitation, hygiene, and vaccination. Some symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, prolonged fever, constipation, or diarrhoea. Typhoid is treated with antibiotics.

3. Malaria:

This infectious disease is transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. If left untreated, it can lead to complications or even death. The infected person experiences chills, high fever, or headaches. Malaria mostly affects children below 5 years of age, pregnant women, and HIV patients.

4. Tuberculosis (TB) :

As per reports, around 2.55 million cases of TB were reported last year, the highest number since the launch of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. Caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the disease affects the lungs and is spread through droplets of infected persons when they sneeze, cough, or spit. People with low immunity, diabetes, or using tobacco are at an increased risk of contracting TB. The ailment is treatable with antimicrobial drugs.

5. Influenza (Flu) :

Common during monsoon, influenza gets transmitted through droplets and direct contact with the infected person. Caused by influenza viruses, flu affects the throat, nose, and respiratory system. Some common flu symptoms include mild to high fever, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, and body aches.

6. Hepatitis:

This is an inflammation of the liver and is of different types — A, B, C, D, and E. Although it is mainly caused by the Hepatitis virus, consumption of alcohol and other toxic substances and infections can also cause hepatitis. While Hepatitis A and E are spread by contaminated food or water, Hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted by coming in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids.

7. HIV:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks our immune system. It is transmitted through unprotected sex, infected needles/razors, infected blood transfusion, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As of now, there is no cure for HIV, though it can be managed with timely and proper treatment.

8. Measles:

Caused by the Measles virus (Morbillivirus), this is a highly infectious disease among children. Vaccination can help prevent children from getting infected.

9. Diarrheal diseases:

Diarrhoea is transmitted through contaminated food and water and from person to person due to a lack of proper hygiene. If not treated at the right time, this disease can cause severe dehydration and fluid loss and can even lead to death.

Health Insurance and Communicable Diseases

Does health insurance cover communicable diseases? Yes, health insurance covers the treatment costs of communicable diseases, such as hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation, daycare procedures, ambulance charges, etc. Sometimes, communicable or infectious diseases may require prolonged treatment and hospitalisation. In such situations, a comprehensive individual or family health insurance plan will provide financial protection and minimise your out-of-pocket expenses. If you get admitted to a network hospital of the insurer, you can avail of the cashless treatment, which means the insurer will settle the bills directly with the healthcare establishment. However, while buying the health plan, you must check the coverage for communicable diseases, the list of network hospitals, premiums, waiting periods, inclusions and exclusions, and other terms and conditions of the policy.

Conclusion

Despite taking all preventive measures to protect ourselves from infectious diseases, we can still fall prey to these ailments. So, it is essential to be aware of the top communicable diseases in India, know the symptoms, and take preventive measures. If you get infected, seek medical attention promptly, as some diseases may lead to severe complications requiring hospitalisation. It will also help contain the spread. In a medical emergency, a comprehensive health insurance policy will come in handy, ensuring you receive the best medical care without worrying about the treatment expenses. Before purchasing a health insurance policy, research and compare multiple plans based on benefits, cost, scope of coverage, list of network hospitals, deductibles, etc., and pick the one that best meets your needs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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