Diseases
There are infectious (communicable) diseases, such as influenza or Covid-19 and non-infectious (non-communicable) diseases, such as cancer or diabetes. Find out more in this section about the causes and consequences of these diseases – as well as what you can do to help prevent them.
Maladies transmissibles
Vous trouverez ici des informations sur les maladies infectieuses et les agents pathogènes qui les provoquent : définitions, vaccinations et prévention, propagation, surveillance, mesures recommandées et stratégies contre les résistances aux antibiotiques.
Non-communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases cause a great deal of suffering and are among the leading causes of death in Switzerland. We work with other stakeholders to develop and coordinate prevention measures.
COVID-19
Information on COVID-19, the symptoms and the range of illness severity as well as the origin of the coronavirus.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV are transmitted sexually and can lead to the development of cancer, and cervical cancer in particular. Vaccination can protect against infection with important types of the virus.
Norovirus
Noroviruses cause diarrhoea. They are transmitted through the mouth or nose, causing copious vomiting and severe diarrhoea. Noroviruses occur throughout the world. No medication or vaccine is available to prevent infection.
Chickenpox / Shingles
Chickenpox (varicella) is often harmless in healthy children, but once infected it can lead to shingles (herpes zoster) later in life.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RS viruses cause colds and bronchiolitis during the winter half-year. They often lead to hospitalisation. Now there are possibilities for prevention, including the antibody Nirsevimab for newborns and infants.
Seasonal flu (influenza)
The flu is a common infectious disease in wintertime. The risk of getting the flu and its complications can be reduced by vaccination. It is recommended for risk groups and their contact persons.
Diseases from A to Z
Infectious diseases or communicable diseases (e.g. flu, measles, HIV, borreliosis) and non-communicable diseases (e.g. diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular diseases): Information on this you can find in this section.