General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkHand, foot and mouth diseaseAdenovirus infectionHepatitis A
AgentEnterovirus, including coxsackievirusHuman adenovirusesHepatitis A virus
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsClose contact
Respiratory
Water and food
Respiratory
Close contact
Water and food
Water and food
Close contact
What distinguishes diseaseCommon viral infection in young children, with oral lesions and rash of the hands or feet.Group of infections that may affect the respiratory tract, eyes or digestive system.Acute infection of the liver transmitted mainly through the faecal route, via food, water or close contact.
PreventionWashing hands, cleaning surfaces and limiting the sharing of contaminated objects.Hand hygiene, adapted disinfection and proper maintenance of swimming pools and community facilities.Vaccination when recommended, safe water, sanitation and hand hygiene.
DeepeningForm →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringThe professional evaluates the lesions and general condition; a photograph is not enough to distinguish all the causes of eruption. A drinking problem is a priority information.Review and the collective context guide possible tests. Specify if symptoms include eyes, breathing or digestion.A specific blood test helps to confirm the infection. Liver tests evaluate the disease but do not refer to the virus responsible alone.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Fever onset and injury
  • Amount and frequency of urine
  • Eye damage, lung or digestion
  • Pool and pooled cases
  • Food, water and contacts concerned
  • Dates of stay and symptoms

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Close contact · Water and food. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.