Diseases are caused by many different factors like unhealthy lifestyles, environmental factors, genetics, and infections. Some diseases are preventable through vaccination, healthy living habits, and targeted treatment.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 30 deadly diseases and how to prevent them or keep their symptoms under control.

1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, often resulting in the death of people with heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.

A healthy lifestyle is critical in preventing CVD, such as exercise, not smoking, and managing stress. A heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains can also help keep your heart healthy. Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks can help detect early signs of CVD.

2. Cancer

Cancer is a complex set of diseases that can arise due to genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, tobacco, or certain chemicals.

Certain cancers can be prevented by avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet choices, and sun exposure. Regular screenings to detect early signs play an important role in the prevention and management of different types of cancer.

3. Chronic Respiratory Disease

Chronic respiratory diseases cause difficulties in breathing and can lead to the destruction of lung tissues. Smoking cessation, avoiding air pollution, and limiting the exposure to allergens and irritants can help prevent chronic respiratory diseases.

People with asthma or a known history of respiratory issues are often prescribed inhalers for treating acute symptoms.

4. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, and behavioral changes. There are currently no known treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, and there is no cure.

However, engaging in regular physical activity, healthy eating, brain-stimulating activities, social engagement, and smoking cessation can help reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Over time, high levels of sugar in your blood can lead to serious health problems.

To prevent diabetes, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you already have diabetes, it’s important to manage your blood sugar levels properly through regular testing, medications, and lifestyle changes.

6. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, a condition in which the body loses the ability to eliminate waste and excess fluids.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing kidney disease, such as limiting alcohol consumption, managing high blood pressure, staying active, and quitting smoking. If you have kidney disease, it’s essential to manage your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and ask your healthcare provider about medications and other treatments.

7. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system, causing muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with coordination.

Although no cure is currently available, medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. These include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and reducing stress.

8. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, making it challenging to fight off other infections. HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.

Preventing HIV/AIDS involves using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections and reducing the number of sexual partners. Antiretroviral therapy can help manage HIV/AIDS symptoms.

9. Influenza and Pneumonia

Influenza and pneumonia are respiratory infections that can be fatal, particularly for older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Vaccinations are available for both influenza and pneumonia, and routine washing of hands and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of flu and pneumonia.

10. Malaria

Malaria is an infection that spreads through mosquito bites and can cause fever, jaundice, and liver failure.

Malaria prevention includes using mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, spraying insecticides, and taking antimalarial medications when traveling to areas with high malaria risk.

11. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver, leading to serious liver damage. Vaccination, avoiding exposure to blood or bodily fluids, and using condoms during sex can help prevent the spread of hepatitis B.

For those already infected, antiviral medications and regular monitoring can help manage the disease and prevent further complications.

12. Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, causing chronic coughing, fever, and weight loss.

TB can spread through the air, and prevention measures include good hygiene practices, avoiding close contact with infected individuals and prompt treatment of infected individuals.

13. Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious and mostly fatal illness that is spread by mosquitoes. Vaccination is the best prevention for yellow fever, particularly for those traveling to areas with high-risk outbreaks.

Other preventive measures include using mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents.

14. Rabies

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system, transmitted through an animal bite. Vaccination can help prevent rabies, particularly for people who work with animals and pets in areas with a high incidence of rabies.

When bitten by an animal, seek immediate medical attention to prevent the development of the virus.

15. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver, resulting in long-term liver damage.

The best prevention measure for hepatitis C is avoiding exposure to blood and being cautious when handling needles and other sharp items that may be contaminated. For people already infected with hepatitis C, antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical work-up can keep it under control and possibly cure it.

16. Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection that affects the lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling, infection, and disability.

Mass drug administration, lymphatic drainage, and good hygiene can help in the prevention and treatment of lymphatic filariasis.

17. Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has been linked to congenital disabilities in newborns.

To prevent Zika virus, it is crucial to prevent mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, and avoiding areas with high incidences of mosquito bites. Other prevention measures include using mosquito nets and keeping homes free from standing water, where mosquitoes breed.

18. Enteroviruses

Enteroviruses are a group of infections that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including respiratory distress, fever, rashes, and neurological symptoms.

Enteroviruses are transmitted through contact with contaminated fecal matter and touching a surface contaminated with the virus. Proper hand hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and cleanliness, can prevent the spread of enteroviruses.

19. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that can cause fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms. Vaccines are available for measles, mumps, and rubella and are effective in preventing the spread of these infections.

Parental consent for vaccine administration is crucial for children.

20. Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle spasms. A tetanus vaccine is available and recommended for people who have not undergone childhood immunizations or adults requiring booster doses.

Observing good hygiene practices and seeking prompt medical attention in case of injuries can prevent the spread of tetanus.

21. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to fever, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Food and water contamination are the most common modes of transmission, and good hygiene practices, extensive cooking and proper cleansing of surfaces can prevent the spread of typhoid fever.

22. Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by bacteria and spread via contaminated water or food. Good hygiene practices, including handwashing, can decrease the spread of cholera.

Vaccines are available and recommended for travelers to areas with high cholera prevalence.

23. Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the liver and intestines, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in stool.

Good hygiene habits, proper sanitation, and reducing contact with contaminated freshwaters are crucial prevention measures for schistosomiasis.

24. Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare infection that can lead to severe respiratory distress and death. Rodent infestations in homes and buildings can increase the risk of hantavirus infection, and it is crucial to keep the living area clean and free of infestation.

Handling rodents and their droppings should be done with gloves and masks to avoid exposure.

25. Melioidosis

Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and lungs, leading to the development of abscesses. Preventing exposure to contaminated soil and water is crucial to the prevention of melioidosis.

26. Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial infection that results in pneumonia and can become fatal when left untreated.

Airborne exposure to contaminated water droplets can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, and it is crucial to maintain proper facility and home hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection.

27. Amoebiasis

Amoebiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines and can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The best prevention measures for amoebiasis include good hygiene, proper sanitation, and avoiding contaminated food and water.

28. Q Fever

Q fever is a bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia and chronic fatigue. Contact with livestock and contaminated animal products can increase the risk of contracting Q fever.

Proper hygiene habits, including regular handwashing and proper storage of animal products, can prevent the spread of Q fever.

29. Leprosy

Leprosy is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin and nervous system, leading to severe disability.

Providing housing, social inclusion, and appropriate medical care to those affected with Leprosy can slow the spread of the disease within at-risk populations.