Describe three strategies that can be used to treat contagious infections.

Strategies that can be used to treat contagious infections include medication to eradicate infection, alleviation of symptoms, and prevention. Bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections can be treated with various medications. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics that are selected based on the type and severity of the bacterial infection. Antiviral drugs are commonly used to treat respiratory viruses, herpes viruses, and HIV. Antifungal medications are either administered orally or topically depending on the severity and location of the fungal infection. Since there is no known cure for viral infections, medication can only treat the symptoms. This does provide some alleviation. Many infections, such as rubella and small pox, can be prevented through vaccinations.