Posted: April 29th, 2024

What Diseases Are Common With Teens?

What Diseases Are Common With Teens?

Teenagers are going through a lot of changes in their bodies and minds, and they may face some health challenges along the way. Some of the most common diseases and conditions that affect teens are:

– The common cold: This is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It is usually mild and goes away on its own, but it can make teens feel miserable and miss school or other activities. The best way to prevent colds is to wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face, and stay away from people who are sick. There is no cure for the common cold, but over-the-counter medicines can help relieve some symptoms.

– Influenza (the flu): This is another viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can cause more severe symptoms than the common cold, such as high fever, chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. The flu can also lead to complications such as pneumonia or ear infections, especially in people who have chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems. The flu can be prevented by getting a yearly flu vaccine, which protects against the most common strains of the virus. If you get the flu, you should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take antiviral medicines if prescribed by your doctor.

– Strep throat: This is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. It can also cause fever, swollen glands, headache, and white patches on the tonsils. Strep throat is contagious and can spread through saliva or respiratory droplets. It can be diagnosed by a throat swab test and treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, strep throat can cause serious complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney damage. To prevent strep throat, you should avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with people who are infected, and wash your hands often.

– Mononucleosis (mono): This is also known as the kissing disease because it is spread through saliva. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or sometimes by the cytomegalovirus (CMV). Mono can cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle pain. Mono can last for weeks or months and can affect the liver or spleen. There is no specific treatment for mono, but you can ease the symptoms by getting enough rest, drinking fluids, and taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs. To avoid getting mono, you should not kiss or share personal items with people who have it.

– Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): These are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Some of the most common STIs among teens are gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C. STIs can cause various symptoms depending on the type of infection, such as discharge, itching, burning, sores, warts, or pain in the genitals or anus. Some STIs may not cause any symptoms at all but can still damage your reproductive organs or increase your risk of certain cancers. STIs can be diagnosed by blood tests, urine tests, or swabs from the affected area. Most STIs can be treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, but some cannot be cured and may require lifelong management. The best way to prevent STIs is to abstain from sexual activity or use condoms correctly and consistently every time you have sex. You should also get tested regularly if you are sexually active and get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B if you are eligible.

These are some of the diseases that are common with teens, but there are many others that can affect your health as well. It is important to take care of yourself by eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, and seeking medical help when needed. By doing so, you can enjoy your teenage years and prepare for a healthy adulthood.

Works Cited

: Duda K., “Common Illnesses in Teenagers”, Verywell Health , 5 April 2022 , https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-illnesses-in-teenagers-4159751

: “Information on Diseases & Conditions for Parents with Teens (Ages 12-19)”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 11 January 2023 , https://www.cdc.gov/parents/teens/diseases_conditions.html

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