Protecting Your Health: Understanding Common Infectious Diseases
                     Common Infectious 
Diseases
Prevention, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens
—viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites—that spread 
through various routes including person-to-person 
contact, contaminated food or water, and vectors like 
mosquitoes.Dr. Sheena Cherry
These diseases range from mild, self-limited infections 
like the common cold to severe conditions requiring 
immediate treatment. Understanding symptoms and 
prevention strategies empowers you to protect your 
health.
Four Types of Infectious Diseases
Viral Infections Bacterial Infections
Small agents requiring host cells to multiply. Examples: May cause localized or systemic disease. Examples: strep 
influenza, COVID-19, measles, HIV. Cause systemic throat, tuberculosis, pneumonia. Respond to antibiotics, 
symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. though resistance is emerging.
Fungal Infections Parasitic Infections
Affect skin, nails, mucous membranes, or internal organs. Organisms living on or in a host. Examples: malaria, 
Examples: athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis. Severity Giardia, intestinal worms. Transmitted through 
varies from mild to requiring aggressive treatment. contaminated water, food, insect bites, or soil.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms vary by pathogen and affected organs, but many 
infections share common warning signs:
• Fever, chills, fatigue, weakness
• Cough, sore throat, runny nose
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Skin rashes, itching, unusual sores
• Headache, muscle pain, joint pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Burning or pain during urination
If symptoms emerge suddenly and progress, seek medical evaluation.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
01 02 03
Vaccination Good Hygiene Safe Food & Water
Stay up to date with immunizations Wash hands frequently, cover Cook food properly, drink safe water, 
for measles, influenza, COVID-19, coughs/sneezes, disinfect surfaces, avoid unpasteurized milk, and wash 
and other preventable diseases. and avoid touching your face with fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
unwashed hands.
04 05
Avoid Close Contact Vector Control
Keep distance from sick individuals and wear masks Use insect repellent, mosquito nets, and avoid mosquito-
during respiratory illness outbreaks. infested areas when traveling.
Treatment Options by Pathogen Type
Antibiotics
For bacterial infections. Selected based on culture/sensitivity tests. Proper use prevents antibiotic resistance.
Antivirals
For influenza, HIV, COVID-19, herpes. Shorten recovery time and decrease symptom severity.
Antifungals
Topical or systemic treatment based on severity. Target skin, nail, or internal fungal infections.
Antiparasitics
For malaria, worms, and other parasites. Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment selection.
Supportive Care
Hydration, rest, symptom management. Hospitalization for severe cases requiring intensive monitoring.
When to See an Infectious Disease Specialist
Don't wait—early intervention prevents 
complications. Contact Dr. Sheena Cherry, infectious 
disease doctor in Dubai, at +971 50 797 8727 for expert 
evaluation and treatment.
Seek specialist care if you experience:
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement
• High persistent fever, shortness of breath, severe dehydration, 
confusion, or rapidly spreading rash
• Weakened immune system, pregnancy, advanced age, or chronic 
conditions
• Recent travel to high-risk areas or exposure to insect bites, 
contaminated food/water
• Infection not responding to initial treatments
Your Health Matters
Prevention Works Early Diagnosis is Key Recovery Time Varies
Vaccines, hygiene, and safe Clinical evaluation plus Mild infections resolve in days; 
practices dramatically reduce laboratory testing (blood, stool, serious infections like bacterial 
risk, though they don't urine, swabs) identifies specific pneumonia may require weeks 
guarantee 100% protection. pathogens for targeted of treatment and follow-up.
treatment.
Infectious diseases affect millions worldwide. While many are mild, they can become serious without proper care. 
Your health is important—if you suspect infection or have concerning symptoms, seek early medical advice. Dr. 
Sheena Cherry provides expert infectious disease treatment in Jumeirah, Dubai, giving you the best chance for 
effective treatment and full recovery.
Dr. Sheena Cherry
Internal Medicine Specialist
Address Phone no. Website
Jumeirah Beach Rd - near Dubai +971 50 797 8727
Canal, Jumeirah 2 - Dubai - United 
Arab Emirates