What does EID mean in HEALTHCARE

An Emerging Infectious Disease (EID) is a recently discovered disease caused by a microorganism that has the potential to cause widespread illness and mortality in humans, animals, or plants.

EIDs spread through contact with an infected individual or animal, often through a vector such as a mosquito or tick, contaminated objects or surfaces, food or water sources contaminated with feces, contact with wild animals carrying the disease, and sexual contact.

Symptoms for EIDs vary depending on the specific disease. Common signs can include fever, headaches, joint pain, rashes, fatigue, sore throat and vomiting.

Steps to prevent contracting an EID include frequently washing your hands with soap and water; avoiding contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; avoiding close contact with wild animals; using insect repellent to avoid insect-borne pathogens; avoiding raw foods of animal origin; practicing safe sex; practicing good hygiene when preparing food; getting vaccinated if recommended in your area; and making sure you have access to clean drinking water.

Treatment depends on the type of infection as some may be treated with antibiotics while others require antiviral medications such as those used to treat HIV/AIDS. Vaccines may also be available for some diseases like yellow fever or measles. In some cases supportive treatment may be necessary such as hydration therapy or oxygen therapy if oxygen levels drop too low due to respiratory distress related to the infection.