9 ‘Contagious’ Conditions That Are Not Truly Contagious

The outbreak of Covid-19 made us all acutely aware of infectious diseases and how they can spread. The problem is, symptoms for contagious and non-contagious conditions often overlap, making it hard to know how alert we should be. While taking precautions like frequent hand-washing is never a bad idea, it is also important to be aware that not all diseases are infectious. In fact, some conditions have a false reputation of being highly contagious when it is, in fact, not true at all. The following 9 conditions cannot be transmitted from person to person, though many people believe the opposite.

1. Pneumonia and Bronchitis

Both of these conditions are the result of respiratory infections - pneumonia infects the lungs while bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways. Whether or not these diseases are contagious depends on what caused them. 

 

Two types of pneumonia that can’t be spread from person to person are fungal pneumonia, which is contracted from the environment, and aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia, however, is indeed contagious and is also the most widespread cause of the disease, according to the American Lung Association. Yet, healthcare experts claim it isn’t as infectious as most of us think. The microorganisms that travel from person to person will not automatically lead to pneumonia but might have a much milder effect depending on the individual. 

 

The case for bronchitis is very similar. Acute bronchitis, which is caused by a virus, is contagious, while chronic bronchitis isn’t. The latter is an ongoing condition often caused by long-term smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants.

2. Psoriasis

When we see someone suffering from a skin condition, it is easy to make the mistake of thinking it can be transmitted by touch. While we can’t cover all skin afflictions in one article, we can assure you that one of the most common conditions, psoriasis, is not contagious at all. Psoriasis affects about 2% of the American population and has nothing to do with germs or bacteria that can be passed between people. Rather, it’s an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the skin. Telltale signs of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of skin with white scales on top, mainly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.

 

3. Ear Infection

Ear infections in itself are not contagious, and can’t be ‘caught’. In fact, one of the common causes is water in your ears. The bad news is that oftentimes, ear infections are a complication of the common cold, as the virus leads to fluid buildup in the middle ear. “Due to congestion caused by the cold, the inner ear fills up with fluid and can become secondarily infected by bacteria; these stay in the ear and are therefore not contagious,” explains Matthew Mintz, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine.

It is important to note that if an ear infection started with a cold and the patient still has cold symptoms, those can still be contagious.

 

4. Rosacea

Rosacea is another widespread visible skin condition, which isn’t contagious nor is it caused by bad hygiene. Rosacea, which hits approximately 14 million Americans, can be recognized by redness, visible blood vessels in the face, and sometimes acne-like breakouts. The causes of rosacea are unknown, but experts theorize it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Flare-ups can be triggered by a number of things including hot drinks and spicy foods.

 

The National Rosacea Society explains that antibiotics used to treat rosacea may be effective because they help to combat inflammation, not because they’re killing bacteria.

5. Lyme disease

When it comes to Lyme Disease the only ones who are contagious are the infected ticks, according to the CDC. The bacteria-based disease can only be transmitted when a tick attaches to your skin and feasts on your blood. It cannot be transmitted between humans in any way, not through casual contact and not even through kissing. 

 

Pets aren’t infectious either, though they can carry ticks into your home.

6.Malaria

Similarly to Lyme disease, mosquitos are the only ones guilty of spreading malaria. Only certain species of mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus - and only the females of those species - can transmit the potentially deadly disease. When they bite you, malaria parasites are released into your bloodstream. Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pains, feeling hot and shivering, jaundice, among others. 

 

While malaria cannot be transmitted from person to person, it infects red blood cells, which means you could get it through a blood transfusion, by sharing an infected needle, or during pregnancy or childbirth.

 

7. Tetanus

Have you ever been scolded as a child because you were walking barefoot outside? The danger of tetanus likely had something to do with it. Tetanus, also referred to as lockjaw, causes intense muscle spasms which leads to a ‘locking' of the jaw and difficulty in opening the mouth and swallowing. The bacteria responsible for this disease is mainly found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. 

 

It enters the body through broken skin; the CDC points out that likely ways to get tetanus are via puncture wounds (like from stepping on a nail), wounds that get dirty, and burns. Infected individuals are not contagious. You can get vaccinated against tetanus, and a booster shot is required every 10 years. 

 

 

8. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that live on the outer layer of our skin and are often harmless, most commonly group A strep. It becomes a problem, however, when the bacteria penetrate deep into the skin. “If there is damage — either from a cut, recent surgery, or even athlete’s foot — that damage can allow in bacteria, which can affect the deeper layers of the skin,” explains Dr. Mintz. This can result in a serious infection, characterized by swelling, redness, and fluid-filled blisters. The infected area will typically be warm and painful to touch. 

 

While cellulitis needs to be taken seriously, as it can deteriorate into a life-threatening condition, it isn’t contagious. If there is pus or oozing fluid, however, which is not typical for cellulitis, this material can spread infection.

9. Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a rare form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria. It typically begins with fever, headaches, and muscle aches. By the second or third day, people also develop a cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and confusion or other mental changes. Outbreaks of legionnaires disease are likely, although the disease isn't contagious. 

 

This is because the culprits are contaminated water supplies. According to the National Institutes of Health, exposure can come from faucets, showers, whirlpools, and the ventilation systems of large buildings. Transmission can only occur when a person inhales mist or water droplets that contain the legionella bacteria. 

 

Not everyone who is exposed to the bacteria will contract the disease. Those at higher risk groups are people over 50, especially if they have a weakened immune system due to chronic illness or smoking.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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9 Reasons You're Feeling Dizzy

Dizziness is one of the worst feelings in the world. It makes you feel sick and out of control, and when it lasts for more than a few seconds, it can be very alarming. Dizziness affects both adults and children, but the reasons for it could be something minor or serious. Below you’ll find 9 potential reasons for your dizzy spells, but you should visit your doctor if your symptoms are persistent as this could indicate other conditions such as migraines, an infection, or stroke.

1. Low Blood Sugar  

Everyone has probably experienced that feeling when you haven’t eaten for a long period so you start to feel woozy. A drop in blood sugar can make you feel shaky and dizzy, whether you’re a diabetic or not. To remedy this, get your blood sugar levels up pronto by eating a sugary snack. 

 

2. Dehydration 

When your body has too little water in it, dizziness can ensue. When temperatures warm up, we might forget to drink more fluids, and even the smallest amount of fluid loss through sweating can make you feel dizzy. Remember to stay hydrated and keep your children loaded up on fluids too.

3. Ear Infection 

An infection in the inner ear, whether due to a sinus infection, cold, virus, or bacteria, can cause problems with balance and dizziness. You might not experience intense pain, but you should visit the doctor to get yourself checked out.

4. Medications  

Side effects from medications are some of the leading cause of dizziness, but people often fail to report this symptom to their doctor. If you notice that you feel dizzy after taking some prescription drugs, seek medical attention. 

 

5. Anemia 

Iron deficiency can lead to a number of symptoms with one of the most common being dizziness. It can also cause lightheadedness, fatigue, and a rapid heartbeat as well. Talk to your doctor about ways to increase your iron intake. 

 

6. Allergies  

When allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander enter your system, they can cause obstructions or inflammation in the middle ear. Your body will try to regulate the pressure that builds up, which could make you feel dizzy.

 

7. Low Blood Pressure

Ever stood up quickly and felt immediately dizzy? Having a dizzy spell due to low blood feels exactly like this, and can occur when you move from a seated position to a standing one, or from lying down to sitting up. A low blood pressure decreases blood flow to the brain, thus making you feel dizzy.  

 

8. Vertigo  

With vertigo, people often experience nausea along with some dizziness. Patients commonly complain of feeling imbalanced or that the room is spinning. This can be the result of an infection, old age, or inflammation in the inner ear. Sometimes it disappears by itself, but other times treatment is needed.  

 

9. Meniere’s Disease 

If your ears feel full or if you experience ringing sounds alongside some dizziness, it could be due to Meniere’s. This is an ear condition that causes a lot of fluid buildup, and has been linked to bouts of vertigo or dizziness that can last for long periods of time.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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14 Unusual Uses for Garlic

Pungent and powerful garlic has dozens of health and household uses - some of which might seem pretty unusual at first glance. While garlic is an important ally for natural health (you may be familiar with the fact that garlic has the ability to increase immunity, neutralize colds and is a recognized broad-spectrum antibiotic), its functions extend beyond these common uses. Check out these 14 unusual alternative uses for garlic:

1. A Great Aid for Athlete's Foot 

Being a potent, natural anti-fungal, garlic is ideal for treating fungal infections like irritating and itchy athlete's foot. Just add a couple of crushed garlic cloves to warm water in a foot bath and soak the affected area for 30 minutes.

2. Helps in Preventing Gas  

While garlic can cause uncomfortable stomach-distending gas in some people due to its high sulfur content, it reportedly eases gas in others. In order to maintain good intestinal health, you need to consume it on a regular basis. Garlic can kill harmful intestinal bacteria, promoting the growth of beneficial flora and making digestion smoother. 

3. Combats Hair Loss  

Before resorting to more drastic measures, if you are going bald, give garlic a shot. It is believed that massaging the scalp with garlic oil stimulates hair growth.

4. Apply it to Breakouts of Acne  

Though it will make your skin smell, the antibacterial properties of garlic will help lessen the appearance of acne, including those deep acne cysts that can otherwise be difficult to treat. Just slice open a clove of raw, fresh garlic and apply it to breakouts. 

 

5. Aids in Weight Loss  

Though you cannot count on garlic to help you lose a lot of weight, research shows that garlic has the potential for assisting with weight loss. Compounds found in garlic send signals of satiety to your brain, which will actually help you to feel full faster. It also boosts metabolic function, enabling you to burn more calories.

6. Use it as a Natural Pesticide  

An all-natural garlic pesticide spray can be used to ward off pests like whiteflies, aphids, cabbage loopers, and squash bugs. All you need to do is mince three garlic cloves and let them sit in two tablespoons of mineral oil for 24 hours. Then, strain out the garlic and add the oil, along with a teaspoon of liquid dish soap, to a pint of water in a spray bottle and spray on infested plants. 

 

7. Use it to Repel Mosquitoes  

You don’t need to use DEET and other potentially toxic chemicals to ward off mosquitoes - garlic can work wonders for you instead. To prepare a mosquito spray, let a few minced cloves of garlic infuse in an ounce of mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain and mix the garlic-scented oil with two cups of water and one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. If necessary, strain again and pour into a spray bottle. 

 

 8. Use it as a Natural Adhesive to Repair Glass  

Though it may not work on major jobs, garlic juice can be used to fill in hairline cracks in glass and hold them together. Simply crush a clove of garlic and rub its sticky, viscous juice in the cracks. Then wipe away the excess. 

 

9. Kills Bacteria that Cause Ear Infections  

This common folk remedy has been used for centuries. Simply crush a clove of garlic and place it in a teaspoon of hot olive oil for five minutes. Strain, allow to cool, then drip a few drops at a time into your ear canal. Alternatively, you can purchase garlic oil from natural health food stores. 

 

10. Helps Remove Splinters  

Splinters are painful to remove and may at times dig a little too deep into the skin to pull out, but this odd trick can really work. Place a thin slice of garlic over the splinter, keeping it on with a bandage. The garlic should help the splinter work its way out of the skin within a few hours.

11. Use it to Relieve Psoriasis  

Garlic's anti-inflammatory properties could ease or even prevent persistent tightness and itching caused by psoriasis. Active compounds in garlic interact with arachidonic acid, an omega fatty acid in the skin linked to psoriasis. You may also rub garlic oil on the affected areas once or twice per day.

12. Use it as a Cough Syrup  

Garlic can be used as a cough syrup to ease inflammation in the throat and clear up excess mucus. Add raw, minced garlic to hot water, straining it after five minutes and drinking the liquid as tea. To make it more palatable, add ginger and honey. 

 

13. Garlic makes for a Fantastic Road De-icer  

Come winter, many towns de-ice their roads. Ankeny, Iowa smelled awfully savory in 2008 when winter transportation crews spread garlic salt on the streets in preparation ahead of incoming snowstorms. The salt, donated by a local spice producer, was apparently deemed unfit for human consumption. 

 

14. Kills Intestinal Parasites 

Many alternative health practitioners advise using raw garlic to expel intestinal parasites. Consumed in quantities of about three cloves per day, garlic may help clear nasty organisms out of the digestive tract. It is recommended as part of a cleansing diet that also includes raw honey, lemon juice, pumpkin seeds, carrots, and beets.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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